By Adenike Lawal
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, has dispelled rumors that the recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, was caused by water releases from the Kainji and Jebba dams.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister expressed heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Niger State, especially those affected by the flooding.
Engr. Utsev confirmed that both dams remain structurally sound and no controlled discharge of water has taken place from either facility that could have triggered the flood.
“The flooding in Mokwa resulted from intense, sustained rainfall that overwhelmed the natural and engineered drainage systems in the area,” he explained. “Such extreme weather events are increasingly frequent due to climate change, which continues to amplify natural disasters.”
The Minister attributed the severity of the flood to unregulated construction and the blockage of natural waterways, particularly an ephemeral tributary of the River Dingi.
This tributary, usually dry for much of the year and dependent solely on rainfall, had no alternative drainage routes, causing water to accumulate and flood Mokwa town.
Referencing the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on April 10, Utsev noted that Mokwa was among 19 Local Government Areas in Niger State identified as high-risk zones.
The AFO highlighted 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs nationwide as high-risk for flooding, with an additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs classified as moderate-risk.
Other states flagged for high flood risk included Kogi, Lagos, Rivers, and Adamawa, among others, underscoring the widespread vulnerability to rising water levels and climate-related disruptions.
The Minister called on state and local governments to proactively address flood risks by improving drainage infrastructure, relocating vulnerable populations, enforcing land-use regulations, and enhancing public awareness on disaster preparedness.
“The data and science are available,” Utsev said. “Detailed flood projections, community-level risk maps, and mitigation strategies are accessible on the NIHSA flood forecast dashboard for all stakeholders.”
He emphasized that the Mokwa flood, like other recent incidents, highlights the urgent need to adapt to the realities of climate change.
The Ministry remains committed to sustainable and resilient water resource management to protect lives and livelihoods.
Finally, Engr. Utsev disclosed that technical teams from NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), are currently on the ground in Mokwa conducting assessments to finalize an official report on the causes and impact of the flood.
