Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker The release of water from Cameroon's Lagdo Dam has been a major concern in Nigeria for years as it directly impacts states along the River Benue the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) announced the controlled release of water from the dam which is aimed to prevent flooding in Nigerian communities NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed explained that the water release would start at 100 cubic meters per second gradually increasing based on inflow from the Garoua River which feeds both the dam and the Benue River The goal is to manage the release carefully ensuring it doesn't exceed the Benue River's capacity and cause severe flooding downstream Mohammed reassured the public that this controlled release would be monitored and flooding is not expected to reach dangerous levels he urged residents in states along the River Benue--like Adamawa and others--to stay alert and take necessary precautions One of the biggest reasons for flooding when the Lagdo Dam releases water is the lack of a buffer dam in Nigeria to contain the excess flow Nigeria and Cameroon had an agreement to build two dams: Lagdo in Cameroon and Dasin Hausa in Nigeria The Dasin Hausa Dam was meant to act as a "shock absorber," protecting Nigerian communities from floods although construction started in the 1980s the Dasin Hausa Dam remains unfinished to this day This delay has led to recurring floods in states like Kogi and other northeastern areas whenever excess water is released from Lagdo Nigeria experienced one of its worst floods in a decade including a 2013 agreement between Nigeria and Cameroon for early flood warnings Cameroon's water releases continue to cause flooding in Nigeria leaving communities in a constant state of red alert during rainy seasons Instead of completing the long-overdue Dasin Hausa Dam Nigeria has relied on warning systems and emergency responses floods from the Lagdo release destroyed roads which is an urgent call for a permanent solution Read the original article on Vanguard World's Dams At Risk From Climate Change and Conflict - Report Federal Govt Alerts On Cameroon's Plan to Release Water From Lagdo Dam AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals representing a diversity of positions on every topic We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you There was a problem processing your submission The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Nigeria by two Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) over the destructive impact of the 2012 and 2022 Lagdo Dam floodings Incorporated Trustees of Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation and the Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation had alleged that Nigeria’s failure to build a dam in Adamawa to mitigate the effects of the Lagdo Dam overflow from Cameroon violated the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens The NGOs had argued that the delayed construction of the dam led to widespread flooding and disruption of economic and educational activities across 14 Nigerian states They also contended that the dam project could have prevented the flooding and enabled the management of water for purposes such as irrigation and electricity generation ruled that the court could not proceed with the lawsuit The court dismissed the claims in their entirety did not have the legal standing to bring the case before the ECOWAS Court The court also stated that while the first applicant it failed to meet the necessary criteria for public interest litigation the court highlighted the requirement that in such cases the class of victims should be identifiable and capable of being envisaged by the court Since the applicants failed to provide specific details about the victims whose rights were allegedly violated the court ruled that the suit lacked the required legal standing “The court recalls that the requirement is that the class of victims in a public interest litigation should be capable of being envisaged by the court,” Justice Koroma stated “While the applicants referenced a broad class of victims (the Nigerian people) the court is unable to identify or envision the specific victims whose rights were allegedly violated.” The court further noted that while it has the jurisdiction to hear human rights violations cases the applicants’ inability to establish their capacity to bring a case in the public interest rendered the lawsuit untenable which had denied the claims made by the NGOs asserted that it had conducted a feasibility study of the dam project in 1982 as part of a broader initiative to develop the Benue Basin’s water resources The government also emphasized the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Cameroon to enhance cooperation in managing shared water resources the federal government argued that it had taken various measures to address flooding including constructing more dams and securing a 2024 Senate resolution for the dredging of Rivers Benue and Niger The Nigerian government contended that the applicants had failed to demonstrate the specific victims affected by the flooding or show any direct violation of rights The case was dismissed by the three-member panel which included Justice Dupe Atoki and Justice Edward Asante Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "a96301317e454ac15927087e279940a5" );document.getElementById("h8175b9177").setAttribute( "id" The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency(NHSA) has notified Nigerians of the upcoming release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo dam the agency’s Director General / Chief Executive Officer 2024.He said Cameroon will begin the water discharge from September 17 adding that the water will increase progressively to 1000m³/s over the next seven days “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have communicated to the agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) starting today 2024.“The water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River which serves as the primary source into the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River.“Nonetheless the dam operators have indicated that the planned water discharges will be gradual to avoid surpassing the conveyance capacity of the Benue River system and triggering substantial flooding downstream in Nigeria The overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir.” Nigeria has experienced extreme flooding in the past due to the release of water from the dam but the agency has assured Nigerians that there is no need to worry “The agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits,” the agency said the agency promised to monitor the flow conditions of the Benue River and the national inland rivers and provide updates on water levels nationwide Chinomso Sunday is a Digital Content Writer at News Central contributing her combined skills to her professional endeavours a former close associate of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and a notable… Taofeek Oyedokun $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); Nigeria faces potential flooding as Cameroon hegins gradual water release from the Lagdo Dam, impacting states along the River Benue. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a flood alert to Nigerians in anticipation of water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. Umar Mohammed, the director-general of NIHSA, announced on Tuesday that regulated water releases from the dam are scheduled to commence on September 17. According to Mohammed, the water will initially be released at a rate of 100 cubic metres per second (m³/s), equating to 8.64 million cubic metres per day. This flow rate will be gradually increased to 1000 m³/s over the next seven days. The releases are intended to prevent exceeding the River Benue’s capacity and causing major flooding in Nigeria. Mohammed urged heightened vigilance in states along the River Benue, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers, asking the ” the government at all levels (Federal, State, and LGAs) to step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding that may occur as a result of increased flow levels of our major rivers at this period, ” he stated. The agency also assured Nigerians that the current flow levels along the Benue River remain within warning levels, with close monitoring underway to prevent further flood disasters. However, concerns persist after a flood in Maiduguri on September 10 displaced thousands and resulted in over 30 deaths due to the collapse of Alau Dam. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that more than 400,000 people were displaced as a result of the flooding. Authorities are now bracing for potential challenges in the days ahead as water levels rise. Easily access major global news with a strong focus on Africa. As well as the main stories of the day, we like to accentuate positive stories about Africa across all genres including Politics, Business, Commerce, Science, Sports, Arts & Culture, Showbiz and Fashion. We broadcast 24 hours a day from our studios in London and New York and can be seen here in the UK and across Europe on the Sky platform (Sky channel 516), Freeview (Channel 136) as well as in the USA on the Centric channel and also on the Hot bird platform, which transmits to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. © 2023 Arise News - Part of the Arise Media Group. The court noted that the first applicant, a Nigerian-registered NGO, claimed to represent public interest but failed to meet the required criteria for public interest litigation. The ECOWAS Court has dismissed claims against Nigeria by two non-governmental organisations over the destruction of property, impact on health and environment by the 2012 and 2022 Lagdo Dam flooding. The applicants, Incorporated Trustees of Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation, Nigeria, and Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation, Switzerland, filed the suit. They alleged in the suit marked: ECW/CCJ/APP25/23, that Nigeria’s failure to construct a dam in Adamawa State to mitigate the effects of Lagdo Dam’s overflow from Cameroon violated the fundamental rights of Nigerians. The applicants argued that the delayed construction of the dam resulted in flooding, widespread damage, loss of life, displacement, and disruption of economic and educational activities across 14 Nigerian states. The NGOs further contended that the dam project would have alleviated the flooding by enabling proper management of water, which could have been used for irrigation and electricity generation. Delivering judgment on Friday, the court, in the judgment read by Justice Sengu Koroma (presiding/judge rapporteur), dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety. According to the community court, the second applicant, a Swiss-registered NGO, lacked the legal capacity to bring a case before the court. It said the first applicant, a Nigerian-registered NGO, claimed to represent public interest but failed to meet the required criteria for public interest litigation. “The court recalls that the requirement is that the class of victims in public interest litigation, even when indeterminable, should be capable of being envisaged by the court,” Mr Koroma said. The court further held that, “while the applicants referenced a broad class of victims (the Nigerian people), the court is unable to identify or envision the specific victims whose rights were allegedly violated.” The court also noted that, while it has jurisdiction to hear human rights violation suits, the applicants’ lack of capacity to pursue it in the public interest was fatal to the suit. Nigeria had denied the claims, asserting that the dam’s feasibility study which it earlier conducted in 1982 was part of a broader initiative to develop the Benue Basin’s water resources. The Federal Government’s counsel argued that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Cameroon centred on enhancing cooperation in managing shared water resources. The government also contended that it took measures to mitigate flooding, including building additional dams, and securing a 2024 Senate resolution to facilitate the dredging of Rivers Benue and Niger. Nigeria also prayed the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the applicants failed to demonstrate the specific victims affected by the flooding or to show any direct violations of rights. The three-man panel comprised Justice Sengu Koroma (presiding/judge rapporteur), Justice Dupe Atoki (member), and Justice Edward Asante (member) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices “Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.” He mentioned that 10 kilometres of the Sokoto-Badagry road project would also be inaugurated before May 25. Since coming to power in January, Mr Trump has threatened certain unauthorised immigrants with prosecution. Twenty fellows will be selected—ten from the African continent and ten from the global African diaspora. Mr Bwala argued that another achievement of Mr Tinubu’s government is the increased monthly allocation to states.  Dangote expressed confidence that the new leadership of NNPC Limited will propel the country’s energy industry to new heights. According to him, liberty, due process, and respect for constitutional rights are foundational pillars of the Nigerian Republic. © 2025 Peoples Gazette™ Limited. Flood-risk states are bracing for impacts of flooding that may be triggered by the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon with officials saying they have put in place measures to protect residents and minimise damage The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had issued warnings regarding imminent flooding in Adamawa had urged the affected states to step up vigilance and deploy adequate measures to reduce possible flood impacts that may occur as a result of an increase in flow levels of major rivers Lagdo is a reservoir located in the Northern Province of Cameroon The release of water from the Lagdo Dam in 2022 caused massive floods in Nigeria 82,035 houses destroyed and 332,327 hectares of farmlands submerged Many states have been ravaged by flooding this year whose capital witnessed a devastating incident that claimed many lives and displaced thousands The latest weather outlook issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Saturday indicated that thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected today in parts of Taraba Southern Borno and Adamawa states in the morning hours Kebbi Zamfara and Yobe states during the afternoon/evening hours the forecasts released by NIMET indicated that rains would be delayed in some parts of the country Abia and Akwa Ibom would witness early onset which was unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development was themed: ‘Facilitating a Weather Resilient Economy Through Early Warnings for all to Foster Renewed Hope and Sustainable Development’ It said an early end of the rainy season is predicted for parts of Yobe A late cessation is predicted over the southern states of Bayelsa Many state governments said they are implementing measures to mitigate the impacts of impending floods include advising residents in vulnerable areas to relocate upland the establishment of disaster response teams public sensitisation campaigns and monitoring water flow and maintaining internally displaced persons (IDP) camps for possible evacuees Delta prepares evacuation camps for potential victims The Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau has urged residents to brace for the challenges ahead as flooding looms called on those living in flood-prone areas should be moved to safety as soon as possible Residents living along the banks of River Benue in Taraba State have begun relocating to safer areas as water levels continue to rise Daily Trust’s findings revealed that communities such as Ibbi and Kwatan Nanido—located along the river—are witnessing significant water overflow a resident of Zip town in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area confirmed that many residents were moving to higher grounds particularly to a place called Jigawan Zip stating that no government support has been offered to assist those relocating said even before the release of water from Lagdo Dam flooding had two weeks ago caused significant damage While some farmers have begun harvesting their crops early Dauda expressed concern that the released water from the Lagdo Dam could lead to more severe damage The Kogi State Government has established a flood disaster response team to prevent losses and safeguard lives and properties in flood-prone areas across nine communities the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications announced that the governor approved the formation of the team following projections from regulatory agencies that states along the Rivers Niger and Benue are at heightened risk of flooding this rainy season The Flood Disaster Response Team will oversee the implementation of the state government’s flood response strategies and action plan to mitigate the impact of flooding on affected communities Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) revealed that the state has established 42 IDP camps in eight of the nine identified flood-prone local government areas Adamawa moves to address challenges of drought Commissioner for Environment in Adamawa State said the state government had launched sensitisation campaigns to educate residents living near riverbanks about the dangers of floods He noted that drought had severely affected 18 local government areas while Madagali Local Government Area struggles with flooding the government has partnered with NIMET and other agencies to ensure timely flood warnings particularly from the Cameroonian authorities managing the Lagdo Dam The state government has also prepared relief materials and identified safe evacuation zones for flood victims Demsa and Yola-South to shelter those displaced by floods Director of the State Emergency Management Agency said sensitisation campaigns on proper waste management and flood prevention were ongoing in flood-prone areas Benue assures residents of flood preparedness The Benue State Commissioner for Water Resources said the state government was fully prepared to manage any potential flooding.Ugwu urged residents living near the riverbanks to relocate to higher ground as a precautionary measure The Executive Secretary of the SEMA in Benue asked residents living within one kilometre of the River Benue advising them to relocate immediately to avoid any potential disaster Iorpuu listed designated shelters for those in high-risk areas to relocate to The Edo State Commissioner for Security and Public Safety said the state government teams had been actively sensitising residents in flood-prone areas encouraging them to move to higher grounds and follow safety protocols in the event of flooding The commissioner noted that six IDP camps had been set up in flood-risk areas some equipped with warehouses for essential supplies He urged residents not to panic and to relocate to upland areas as soon as flooding begins the Anambra State government urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate upland in preparation for potential flooding The state government also set up IDP camps and prepared emergency management teams to assist with evacuations especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly The Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control (BYDFEC) has commenced an extensive de-silting exercise in flood-prone areas of Yenagoa and its surrounding areas The initiative involves clearing creeks and canals to facilitate the free flow of floodwaters said this was to minimise the anticipated impact of the 2024 flood Many residents of flood-prone areas in the state have already started relocating to safer zones and moving valuables out of their homes in preparation for the impending flood We’re doing massive sensitisation – C/River govt The Cross River State Commissioner for Environment said the state government was engaged in massive sensitisation campaigns in flood-prone areas “Many residents have already relocated from high-risk zones voluntarily significant work has been done to de-silt drainages and gutters in urban areas Nasarawa preparing for impending flood- NASEMA The Director-General of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) told Daily Trust that adequate preparations have been made against flooding Allumaga said sensitisation campaigns had commenced across the 13 local government areas of the state to enlighten residents on the dangers of living around flood-prone areas He said venues for temporary settlement of displaced persons were being set up in flood-prone areas across the state He said the state emergency management agency had further swung into action by deploying its officials to the local government areas and communities where there could be flooding UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now earn US Dollars through domain flipping buy domain names for cheap and have it resold to earn up to $15,000 Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You The Nigerian Government has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon with regulated discharges set to commence on September 17 Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Umar Muhammed provided the update in an official statement The initial water release will begin at a rate of 100 cubic meters per second (m³/s) equating to approximately 8.64 million cubic meters per day This discharge is expected to progressively increase to 1,000 m³/s over the following week depending on inflows from the Garoua River which feeds into the reservoir and significantly contributes to the Benue River Muhammed emphasized that the dam operators plan to implement these discharges gradually to prevent overwhelming the Benue River system and to mitigate the risk of severe flooding downstream in Nigeria The release is anticipated to halt when there is a marked reduction in inflow to the Lagdo reservoir the NIHSA reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for alarm “Major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated as current flow levels along the Benue River remain within cautionary limits,” he stated he urged heightened vigilance among states bordering the Benue River He stressed the importance of implementing preparedness measures to address any potential impacts from increased river flow during this period The agency will continue to closely monitor conditions along the transboundary Benue River and other national inland rivers providing regular updates on water levels to prevent further flood disasters "a70c637c41a65925602c4e89c018f7ad" );document.getElementById("h8175b9177").setAttribute( "id" The Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) has alerted on the planned water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon who issued the alert in a press statement on Tuesday urged States and local government areas situated in riverine areas to heighten their vigilance and implement appropriate preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding impacts nationwide He said: "The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo dam in Cameroon have communicated to the Agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) starting today "The water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River which serves as the primary source into the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River." the DG said that the dam operators have indicated that the planned water discharges will be gradual to avoid surpassing the conveyance capacity of the Benue River system and triggering substantial flooding downstream in Nigeria The overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir "The Agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits it is of utmost importance for all states bordering the Benue River system along with the government at all levels (Federal and LGAs) to heighten their vigilance and implement appropriate preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding impacts that may arise due to an increase in flow levels of our major rivers during this period," he added Mohammed assured of NIHSA's commitment to diligently monitor the flow conditions of the transboundary Benue River and the national inland rivers and consistently provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to prevent further flood disasters in Nigeria Read the original article on Leadership Why Cameroon's Lagdo Dam Releases Cause Devastating Floods in Nigeria Kenya Flooding Leaves Dozens Dead After Dam Collapse He stated, “Following an official communication from the dam’s management, the water release will gradually increase over the next seven days.” The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has announced the commencement of the gradual release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam to prevent flooding in Nigeria. The director-general of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. According to him, the initial release rate is set at 100 cubic metres per second (approximately 8.64 million cubic metres per day) starting September 17, 2024, with a potential increase to 1,000 cubic metres per second. He noted that the final rate will depend on inflows from the upstream Garoua River, the primary source of the reservoir, which also feeds into the Benue River, a key waterway in Nigeria. “The release will be regulated to ensure that water levels do not exceed the capacity of the Benue River system, preventing major flooding in downstream areas of Nigeria,” he added. He reassured the public that measures are in place to control the flow and reduce flooding risk, with the release stopping once inflows to the Lagdo reservoir are manageable. Mr Mohammed emphasised that there is no immediate cause for alarm, as water levels along the Benue River remain within safe limits. The NIHSA boss urged heightened vigilance from states bordering the Benue River, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers. He called on the federal, state and local authorities to prepare adequately for any potential rise in water levels to mitigate the risk of flooding. Mr Mohammed assured the public that “NIHSA will continue to monitor river flow levels closely and provide regular updates to prevent emergencies.” The Niger Basin Authority recently warned of rising water levels in the River Niger, urging states along the river to remain on high alert for possible flooding. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook He mentioned that 10 kilometres of the Sokoto-Badagry road project would also be inaugurated before May 25 Mr Trump has threatened certain unauthorised immigrants with prosecution Twenty fellows will be selected—ten from the African continent and ten from the global African diaspora Mr Bwala argued that another achievement of Mr Tinubu’s government is the increased monthly allocation to states Dangote expressed confidence that the new leadership of NNPC Limited will propel the country’s energy industry to new heights and respect for constitutional rights are foundational pillars of the Nigerian Republic © 2025 Peoples Gazette™ Limited the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) announced the gradual release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam to prevent potential flooding in Nigeria This precautionary measure aims to manage rising water levels that could impact communities along the Benue River Nigerian communities along the Benue River were preparing for possible flooding The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that last year’s floods caused damages amounting to 9 billion dollars The World Bank (WB) estimates the destruction to be between 3.79 billion dollars and 9.12 billion dollars located in northern part of the  Republic of Cameroon poses decades of threat to Nigeria due to its proximity and huge volume Nigeria and Cameroon originally agreed to build two dams: one in Cameroon to release water and the Dasin Hausa Dam in Nigeria to contain it to  prevent floods The Dasin Hausa Dam was planned to be 2.5 times larger than the Lagdo Dam supplying electricity to northern Cameroon and irrigating 15,000 hectares downstream Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State the project was designed to generate 300 megawatts of electricity and irrigate about 150,000 hectares of land across Adamawa the Nigerian government has yet to complete the construction of the dam and it remains absent from the list of priority or ongoing projects in the administration the Senate urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise its construction to mitigate flood-related deaths caused by water releases from Lagdo Dam The issue was raised in a motion titled “Need to Prevent Loss of Lives Caused by Floods and Undredged River Benue in Adamawa State,” sponsored by Sen The Senate also resolved to include the dredging of the River Benue in the 2024 budget to address flooding and its impact bureaucratic delays and inconsistent budget allocations have left downstream communities vulnerable Successive governments in Nigeria have initiated feasibility studies and allocated funds for the dam The 2021 and 2022 national budgets earmarked billions for the project but only a fraction was disbursed Experts and environmentalists have criticised the government’s inability to complete the dam They say emergency measures like early warning systems cannot replace the long-term protection a functional buffer dam would provide says every year there were funds allocated on paper but nothing on ground to show real commitment “The Dasin Hausa dam is not just a preventive measure; it is a lifeline for communities along the Benue River” The consequences of delaying the Dasin Hausa Dam have been severe Nigeria faced one of its worst flood disasters when water was released from the Lagdo Dam displacing over 2 million people and destroying vast agricultural land Subsequent releases in 2019 and 2022 caused similar devastation displacing tens of thousands and severely impacting food production recounted how the floodwaters from the Lagdo Dam destroyed his rice fields in 2022 stating: “We are at the mercy of the water the Nigerian government has implemented short-term emergency measures and emergency relief by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced that the initial release rate from the Lagdo Dam would be 100 cubic meters per second equivalent to 8.64 million cubic meters of water daily “This rate could increase up to 1,000 cubic meters per second depending on inflows from the upstream Garoua River “The water release will be monitored closely over the next seven days with adjustments made based on the Garoua River’s inflows” Mohammed reassured the public that measures were in place to control the flow and reduce flooding risk with the release ceasing once inflows to the Lagdo reservoir are manageable to remain vigilant and prepare for any potential rise in water levels But in spite of these measures experts argue that without the completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam these responses will only serve as temporary fixes Officials from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation have repeatedly vouched their commitment to completing the dam The immediate past Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation He attributed it to the dam’s scale and cost and stressed the need for coordination between federal and state governments argue that political will to prioritise the project has been insufficient What’s lacking is the political urgency to finish the Dasin Hausa Dam Nigeria will continue to be vulnerable to these predictable flood disasters” Efforts to revive the project are ongoing with renewed talks between Nigeria and Cameroon to enhance cooperation on flood management The Nigerian government is also seeking additional funding from international donors and agencies such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank As floodwaters from the Lagdo Dam approach residents along the Benue River are apprehensive fearing the loss of their homes and farmlands saying: “We lost everything last year: our crops Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation said in the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook that approximately 35,870,100 Nigerians in 10 states may be worst hit by floods this year He mentioned the Tinubu’s  approval of 108 billion naira for flood prevention across the 36 states based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Flood Disaster Prevention Utsev urged state governments and stakeholders to follow early warning systems and implement preventive actions He pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting affected communities with plans for long-term solutions and budgetary allocations for 2024 and 2025 targeting dam rehabilitation recommended proactive measures to address the ongoing flood crisis He emphasised the importance of completing the Dasin Hausa Dam which was originally designed to mitigate the impact of water releases from the Lagdo Dam Ebipade is worried about the government’s reactive approach to flooding and called for sustained action to protect vulnerable communities Stakeholders believe that completing the Dasin Hausa Dam remains Nigeria’s most viable long-term solution to the recurring flood crisis affected communities can only hope that emergency measures will be sufficient to mitigate flooding Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has instructed the Agency’s Community Orientation Officers to conduct a thorough awareness campaign in communities that may be affected by excess water release from the Lagdo Dam The aim is to ensure these communities are informed about the potential dangers and prepared to reduce the impact of the upcoming water release This directive was outlined in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Press The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has alerted the Nigerian government that authorities in Cameroon plan to release excess water from the dam. This notification has prompted a call for precautionary measures to mitigate potential damage and protect lives. In light of this urgent situation, the Director General has instructed state directorates, particularly in eleven frontline states, to commence ward-to-ward campaigns in all local government areas identified as vulnerable. The states affected by the Lagdo Dam water release include Kogi, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Delta. Issa-Onilu emphasised the importance of proactive communication, stating; “We will not wait for the floods to deliver the message to our people. They must have all the information needed to make informed decisions, as we have been given this alert from our neighboring country. What happened two years ago and in 2012 should serve as a lesson to us all. “I have instructed our community officers to start ward-to-ward sensitization today in all at-risk communities. The message must be clear, providing safety measures, emergency contacts, floodplain maps, and possible impact points. “Coastal communities should be evacuated immediately, while emergency food banks and medical facilities must be established as these communities relocate. We must also ensure that children are enrolled in safer schools without facing any disadvantage.” The Director General stressed the importance of state and local governments quickly implementing effective flood prevention measures in vulnerable communities, following NIHSA’s warning. He called for cooperation among stakeholders, government bodies, and experts to reduce the impact of potential floods and protect citizens’ safety. The aim is to prevent displacement and ensure that no one suffers from these floods. Sewuese Anyo is a writer, journalist, and media personality with a deep passion for storytelling. She brings narratives to life with a distinctive blend of empathy and insight, aiming to inspire transformative conversations. Yunusa Adamu Dangwani, a former close associate of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and a notable… The federal government has alerted Nigerians of the release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA), Umar Mohammed, notified Nigerians on the development in a statement yesterday. Mohammed said there is no cause for alarm as major flooding is not expected in Nigeria. He, however, said Adamawa, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River and Rivers states should be well prepared to mitigate the impact of the water. Lagdo is a reservoir located in the Northern Province of Cameroon, on the Benue River, in the Niger Basin. The lake covers an area of 586 km2. Data from the National Emergency Agency (NEMA) showed that the release of water from Lagdo Dam in 2022 caused massive flooding in Nigeria which killed 603 persons, displaced 1.4 million, injured 2,400 others, and destroyed 82,035 houses and 332,327 hectares of farmland. Following a similar incident witnessed in Nigeria last year, the NIHSA had then alleged that the notification on the release of water from the Lagdo Dam came about seven days after the dam was opened. The Senate had, in October 2023, called on the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to revisit the proposed construction of Dasin Hausa Dam and any other dam to take in the flood waters from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. The NIHSA boss yesterday stated: “The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, wishes to inform the general public that the authority in Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has informed the Agency that the dam Management will begin regulated water releases at the rate of 100m³/s (8, 640,000m³/day) today 17 September 2024. “The water releases are expected to increase gradually to 1000m³/s in the next seven days depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River, which is the main feeder into the reservoir and a major contributor to the Benue River. “However, the dam managers further stated that the planned water releases will be gradual so as not to exceed the conveyance capacity of the Benue River system and cause major flooding downstream Nigeria. “The spilling of waters from Lagdo Dam is expected to stop as soon as noticeable decrease in flow from the Lagdo reservoir. “The agency wishes to state that there is no cause for alarm as major flooding is not expected downstream Nigeria as the flow levels along the River Benue are still within the warning levels. “Notwithstanding, it is highly imperative for all states that are contiguous to the river Benue system, namely; Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers. “The government at all levels (federal, state and local government areas) step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible flood impacts that may occur as a result of increase in flow levels of our major rivers at this period.” The NIHSA boss said the agency would continue to monitor closely the flow situation of the trans-boundary River Benue and the national inland rivers and steadily provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to forestall further flood disasters. Many states had been ravaged by flooding this year, the latest and worst-hit being Borno whose capital suffered devastating flood that led to loss of lives and displacement of hundreds of thousands. UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now earn US Dollars through domain flipping, buy domain names for cheap and have it resold to earn up to $15,000. Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. The Nigerian government has issued a flood alert following the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, warning several states to prepare for potential flooding. The director-general of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Mohammed made this announcement in a press statement dated September 17, 2024 and made available to Science Nigeria. While Mohammed assured the public that major flooding is not expected in Nigeria, he noted that 11 states – Adamawa, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River and Rivers – should remain vigilant and take proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of water released from the dam. The Lagdo Dam, located in Cameroon’s northern province on the Benue River, plays a crucial role in managing water flow within the Niger Basin. The release of water from the dam is expected to be gradual, starting at a rate of 100m³/s (8.64 million m³/day) and potentially increasing to 1000m³/s over the next seven days, depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River. This river is the main contributor to the Lagdo reservoir, which in turn feeds into Nigeria’s Benue River. Historical data underscores the risk of flooding from the dam. In 2022, water released from Lagdo Dam led to significant flooding in Nigeria, killing 603 people, displacing 1.4 million, injuring 2,400 and destroying over 82,000 homes and 332,327 hectares of farmland. This disaster raised concerns about the timing of alerts, as NIHSA previously alleged that it received notification from Cameroon a week after the water release had begun. In response to the 2024 water release, NIHSA reassured the public that the dam managers in Cameroon are taking precautions to avoid overwhelming the Benue River’s capacity. “The water releases will be gradual to prevent exceeding the conveyance capacity of the Benue River system and causing major flooding downstream in Nigeria,” said Mohammed. However, the NIHSA also urged all affected states to heighten their flood preparedness, warning that while catastrophic flooding is not expected, the rising water levels could still lead to localised flooding. “The federal, state and local governments must increase vigilance and take adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding as the flow levels of our major rivers rise,” Mohammed added. NIHSA will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing regular updates on water levels across major rivers in order to prevent future disasters. While the federal government and state authorities are taking steps to address the situation, local communities are encouraged to stay alert and follow all safety guidelines. The risk of flooding has already been exacerbated in 2024, with Borno State experiencing one of the worst flood disasters in recent history. The state capital, Maiduguri, was severely impacted, leading to loss of life and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. This disaster has compounded the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the state, which has already been devastated by years of armed conflict. The gradual release of water from the Lagdo Dam presents both advantages and challenges: 1. Controlled Water Flow: The planned release of water in gradual stages helps prevent sudden flooding, giving authorities time to prepare and mitigate potential damage. 2. Flood Monitoring: Continuous monitoring by NIHSA allows for timely updates on water levels, which can help state and local governments deploy resources where needed. 3. Water Resource Management: The controlled release also allows better management of water resources in both Nigeria and Cameroon, benefiting agricultural activities and other water-dependent industries downstream. 1. Localised Flooding Risks: Even with gradual water releases, low-lying areas near rivers remain at high risk of localised flooding, which could lead to loss of property and displacement of residents. 2. Timing of Alerts: While the government has issued a timely alert in 2024, previous instances, such as in 2022, highlight the potential risk of delayed notifications, which can hinder effective flood preparedness. 3. Economic Impact: Flooding, even when controlled, can still result in significant economic losses, especially for farmers and those dependent on river systems for livelihoods. As Nigeria braces for the potential impact of the Lagdo Dam water release, it remains critical for both the government and local communities to work together to mitigate the risks and protect lives and properties. the Nigerian government has faced criticism for its reactive stance on flood disasters often waiting until the damage is done before taking action leaving communities vulnerable and devastated with early warnings about the potential release of water from the Lagdo Dam the question remains: will this year be different Can Nigeria finally shift from reactive emergency responses to proactive disaster management NIGERIA DAILY: “Why I Can No Longer Afford To Train My Children” THE BEARING: The Unspoken Truth About Being A Firstborn Join us in this episode of our daily podcast as we explore whether the government is ready to protect its citizens from another flood crisis or if history is set to repeat itself. The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Mr. Umar Muhammed who was represented by the Director of operational hydrology at the agency, Femi Bejide during an interview on Channels Tv. According to him, the agency has sent a proposal to the Presidency to build five buffer dams to contain excess water from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon. Also speaking, he stated that recent flooding in Borno and many other states in the North was caused by excessive rainfall due to the effects of climate change. He said, “What has to be done is that there is a report that has been submitted to the Presidency. We have to have buffer dams and five have been proposed and the federal government is looking at that already.”  “In the interim, some of our dams have to be desilted. The tributaries of the Rivers Niger and Benue have to be expanded”  He further noted that the Cameroonian authorities has already begun releasing water from the Lagdo dam but the federal government reached an agreement with them that the water be released gradually to reduce the volume of water that the river Benue will receive. On the actions of the agency to mitigate the impact of the water release, the Director-General stated that earlier in the year, NIHSA released the impact study on the floods for the year to states and local governments across the country. He also called on residents living around the flood plains to relocate from the area and state governments to desilt canals, inland waterways to ensure the free flow of water from the River Benue through the tributaries across the Niger-Delta into the Atlantic ocean. Residents living along the states of the Rivers Niger and Benue tributaries have had to endure incessant floodings due to the release of water from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon. The major states being affected by the release include; Kogi, Edo, Benue, Adamawa, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross Rivers states. My name is Aghogho Udi, a writer, journalist, and researcher, deeply intrigued by the political economy of Nigeria and the broader African context. My focus lies in shedding light on the intricate connections between macroeconomics and politics, offering valuable insights that foster comprehension of Africa's prevailing economic landscape and the world in general. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); (vitag.Init=window.vitag.Init||[]).push(function(){viAPItag.initPowerVideoAds('pw_29903');}); (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. Your GPS did not respond. Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again. Muhammed said Cameroon will initiate controlled water discharge releases starting 17 September 2023 adding that the water is expected to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have communicated to the agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) starting today “The water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River which serves as the primary source into the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River The overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir.” The release of water from the dam has caused devastating floods in Nigeria in the past but the agency assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm “The agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits,” the agency said the agency promised to diligently monitor the flow conditions of the transboundary Benue River and the national inland rivers and consistently provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians to the water release from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon The Federal Government made this known in a press statement signed by the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency The statement noted that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon will initiate controlled water releases starting from Tuesday The House of Representatives has mandated the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite the completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State which will act as a buffer and help to absorb excess water released from the Lagdo Dam and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas The House also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMASs) to henceforth enhance early warning systems and improve evacuation and relief efforts for communities in flood-prone areas prior to the event These were sequel to the adoption of a Matter Of Urgent National Importance On the “Urgent Need To Investigate The Recurrent Flooding Due To The Opening Of The Lagdo Dam” Chinda said that the House was concerned that the Lagdo Dam located on the Benue River in northern Cameroon was built in 1982 primarily for irrigation and electricity generation the dam operators in Cameroon release excess water to prevent overflow which inevitably flows downstream into Nigeria causing significant flooding in states along the river “Disturbed by the recurrent loss of lives “Mindful that despite early warnings by the Nigerian authorities about the release of water from the Lagdo Dam many communities remain unprepared and are left vulnerable to the devastating impacts of the floods “Aware that while the construction of a buffer dam the proposed Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State was agreed upon in principle between Nigeria and Cameroon to help contain the excess water from the Lagdo Dam this project has remained stalled for years due to funding and bureaucratic delays “Recognizing the urgent need for the Federal Government to develop long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of the annual flooding and to protect vulnerable communities along the River Benue and Niger basins “Worried that unless swift actions are taken to engage relevant stakeholders to mitigate these annual disasters and to provide lasting solutions for affected communities the situation will persist annually with each year worse than the former thus diminishing the confidence of the people in the leaders” The House also directed the Federal Ministry of Environment to undertake a comprehensive study of the impact of climate change and the Lagdo Dam’s annual release on Nigeria’s riverine communities and to develop an actionable flood management plan to protect lives and properties The also mandated the Nigerian and Cameroon Friendship Group in the House to investigate the Nigerian/Cameroon arrangement/agreement on the Lagdo dam and mitigation measures therein and advise the House within 2 weeks for further legislative action The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a flood alert to Nigerians as the management of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon is set to begin regulated water releases into the country said the dam’s regulated water releases will commence on September 17 Mohammed said the dam managers intend to release the water gradually so as not to exceed the transfer capacity of River Benue and cause major flooding in Nigeria He said the water will be released at an initial rate of 100 cubic metres per second (m3/s) — 8.64 million cubic metres per day and gradually increased to 1000 m¾s in the next seven days it is highly imperative for all states that are contiguous to the Benue River system and Rivers; the government at all levels (Federal and LGAs) to step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding that may occur as a result of increased flow levels of our major rivers at this period,” the statement reads Mohammed added that the agency would ensure that it closely monitors the flow situation to forestall further flood disasters He assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm noting that the flow levels along the Benue River are still within the warning levels On September 10, residents of Maiduguri were displaced from their homes following a devastating flood caused by the collapse of Alau Dam which has been at full capacity for the past week The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said more than 30 persons lost their lives and over 400,000 were displaced due to the floods. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Photo taken on Oct. 9, 2022 shows a flooded house in the Ahoada West area of Rivers state, south Nigeria. (NAN via Xinhua) Nigerian authorities have issued flood alerts to several states across the country following the recent release of water from Cameroon's Lagdo Dam. ABUJA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian authorities have issued flood alerts to several states across the country following the recent release of water from Cameroon's Lagdo Dam. At least nine states in Nigeria, which have communities along the banks of the Benue River, may be affected by the water release, which is expected to last until the end of October, Mustapha Ahmed, head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told reporters in the national capital of Abuja on Saturday. The release of water from Lagdo Dam has long been a cause for concern in Nigeria, as it results in the swelling of the Benue River, which traverses multiple Nigerian states, including Adamawa and Taraba in the northeast region, as well as Benue and Kogi in the central region. Photo taken on Oct. 6, 2022 shows flooded houses in the Sagbama local government area of Bayelsa state, south Nigeria. (NAN via Xinhua) Ahmed said the recent release had already led to the displacement of local communities and could lead to further destruction of crops and other infrastructure. "The NEMA has been alerted to the sudden increased inundation of riverine communities and farmlands along the banks of the Niger River in the past 48 hours," the emergency relief agency official said, citing a situation report that confirmed the upsurge of water along the flood plains of the Benue River. He said that crops, lands and valuable infrastructure are at risk of being washed away by the floodwaters, adding that the situation is expected to be witnessed in downstream southern states, including Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa, as the Benue and Niger rivers flow to the Atlantic Ocean through Nigeria's delta region. Photo taken on Oct. 9, 2022 shows flooded houses in the Ahoada West area of Rivers state, south Nigeria. (NAN via Xinhua) So far, a total of 28 people have been confirmed killed due to flooding in Africa's most populous country this year, with 159,157 others seriously affected, according to data from the NEMA. A total of 48,168 people are displaced in 13 states across the country. Due to the recurring disaster, the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency earlier warned citizens living in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures to protect lives and property.  ■ Lagdo Reservoir is a reservoir located in the Northern Province of Cameroon but said there is no cause for alarm as major flooding is not expected in Nigeria and Rivers should be well prepared to mitigate the impact of the water He said: “The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency wishes to inform the general public that the authority in Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has informed the Agency that the dam Management will begin regulated water releases at the rate of 100m³/s (8 “The water releases are expected to increase gradually to 1000m³/s in the next seven days depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River which is the main feeder into the reservoir and a major contributor to the Benue River the dam managers further stated that the planned water releases will be gradual so as not to exceed the conveyance capacity of the Benue River system and cause major flooding downstream Nigeria “The spilling of waters from Lagdo Dam is expected to stop as soon as noticeable decrease in flow from the Lagdo reservoir “The Agency wishes to State that there is no cause for alarm as major flooding is not expected downstream Nigeria as the flow levels along the River Benue are still within the warning levels it is highly imperative for all states that are contiguous to the river Benue system and Local Government Areas) step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible flood impacts that may occur as a result of increase in flow levels of our major rivers at this period “The Agency will continue to monitor closely the flow situation of the trans-boundary River Benue and the national inland rivers and steadily provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to forestall further flood disasters.” The development comes when residents of Maiduguri are still coping with effect of devastating flood which led to loss of lives and displacement of hundreds of thousands has urged states along the Benue River to increase their vigilance The call is coming following the ongoing plan by the management of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon to open the dam for water to gush out In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday by the NIHSA signed by the Director General and the Chief Executive Officer he said the states likely to be affected by the flow of water from the dam are: Adamawa The agency also called on governments at all levels to implement adequate preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding that may result from rising river levels during this period will begin at a rate of 100 cubic meters per second (8.64 million cubic meters per day) and is expected to gradually increase to 1,000 cubic meters per second over the next seven days the primary feeder of the reservoir and a significant contributor to the Benue River “The Cameroonian dam authorities assured NIHSA that the water releases will be regulated to avoid exceeding the capacity of the Benue River and triggering major flooding downstream in Nigeria “The controlled water releases will cease once there is a noticeable decrease in inflow into the Lagdo reservoir,” the statement read NIHSA emphasized that there was no immediate cause for concern as significant flooding downstream in Nigeria was not anticipated adding that current water levels along the Benue River remained within safe limits The agency also assured the public that it would continue to closely monitor water levels along the Benue and other national inland rivers providing regular updates to prevent any flood-related disasters Fubara in charge of Rivers structure – PDP Govs dare Wike President Tinubu mourns 40 accident victims in Kaduna Lagdo Dam: Benue prepared to weather flooding challenges – Alia Cameroon dam: Benue govt to relocate residents living at river bank Flood: Benue govt puts residents on high alert as Cameroon opens Lagdo dam Jalingo flood caused by human factors not Lagdo Dam – FG Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd Findings revealed that the volume of water has started increasing in River Benue as farms located close to the river are being submerged a boat operator in Ibbi town which is located by the River Benue told Daily Trust in a telephone interview that volume of water in the Rivers had started increasing in the last 20 hours He said rice farms which were about to mature had been submerged by water causing panic among residents of the riverine areas in the state Jalo stated that owners of houses located by the river had started packing out of their houses to safer areas in the town while others were adamant He said the volume of water in the river wqs gradually increasing and farmers whose Maize farms had matured were using canoes to harvest in an effort to avoid destruction of the produce At Amar and Kambari towns in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area residents were said to be packing their belongings out of their houses following increase in the volume of water in the river which has a direct link to Lagdo Dam Alhaji Gambo told Daily Trust that farms and houses close to River were being submerged He said residents started noticing increase in the volume of water in the river midnight Thursday He said some of the residents were relocating to an area called Jigawan Zip where the residents normally relocate during flooding At Mayoreneyo town also located at the banks of River Benue Alhaji Jidda said residents were panicking as the water started to overflow its banks He said farmers in the area were yet to recover from destruction of their crops by flood which occured two weeks ago when Cameroonian authorities released water from the Lagdo Dam which may cause more destruction to lives and properties He said whenever water is released from the dam residents of towns and villages in six local government areas of Taraba State located by the River Benue encountered serious flood which caused destruction of houses and farmlands “We fear what might happen in the next few days as the volume of water in River Benue is gradually increasing following release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon Republic,” he said Meanwhile,the state Commissioner for Humanitarian has said that his ministry is collaborating with NIWA and other agencies to patrol areas along the Benue tributaries to monitor situation regarding release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon which serves as the primary source into the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River.” “The Agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits and LGAs) to heighten their vigilance and implement appropriate preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding impacts that may arise due to an increase in flow levels of our major rivers during this period,” he added Mohammed assured of NIHSA’s commitment to diligently monitor the flow conditions of the transboundary Benue River and the national inland rivers © 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved © 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) says water from the Lagdo Dam in neighbouring francophone country has been released into River Niger and River Benue in Nigeria’s North Central The Agency warned Nigerians resident in floodplains to relocate immediately to safe spaces in anticipation of attendant floods that annually come with the release of water from the Lagdo Dam Mohammed said his Agency met with the authorities in Cameroon and agreed that water from the Lagdo Dam be released “intermittently” for the River Benue and River Niger in Nigeria to be able to contain the volume of water to avoid flooding in 11 states at risk “The situation is that water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam has been released already since yesterday (Wednesday) and there is an agreement that the water should be released in phases,” said Mohammed who was represented on the programme by the Agency’s Director of Operations and Hydrology the Federal Government alerted Nigerians to the plan by the Cameroonian authorities to release water from the Lagdo Dam NIHSA listed flood-prone states to include Adamawa there is calm and normalcy and the water is being regularised from the Lagdo dam He said all Nigerians have a role to play to prevent flooding as previous release of water from the Lagdo Dam has caused constant flooding in Nigeria Mohammed said a report has been submitted to the Presidency on way forward noting that some of dams in Nigeria have to be desilted The release of water from the Lagdo Dam comes days after water from overflowing Alau Dam killed over 30 persons and swept away thousands of homes in Maiduguri according to data by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) devastating floods affected 159,157 individuals The release of water from the Lagdo Dam contributed to some of the flooding cases experienced NEMA said flooding has affected 1,048,312 people between April and September 2024 displaced 625,239 persons and killed 259 lives "abbd5884a630231b4de81feb76414a1e" );document.getElementById("h8175b9177").setAttribute( "id" The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a warning to the public that the Authority of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has informed the Agency that the dam management will begin regulated water releases at the rate of 100m% (8,640,000m/day) starting from September 17th The water release is expected to increase gradually to 1000m% in the next seven days depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River which is the main feeder into the reservoir and a major contributor to the Benue river In a press statement issued by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer it was stated that the dam managers would make the planned water releases gradual in order not to exceed the conveyance capacity of the Benue river system and cause major flooding downstream Nigeria He stated: “The spilling of waters from Lagdo dam is expected to stop as soon as there is noticeable decrease in flow into the Lagdo reservoir “The Agency hereby wishes to state that there is no cause for alarm as major flooding is not expected downstream Nigeria as the flow levels along the river Benue are still within the warning levels.” NIHSA enjoined all states contiguous to the river Benue system Cross-Rivers and Rivers; the government at all levels (Federal State and LGAs) to step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding that may occur as a result of increase in flow levels of these major rivers at this period “The Agency will continue to monitor closely the flow situation of the trans-boundary river Benue and the national inland rivers and steadily provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to forestall further flood disasters,” he added THISDAY is published by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LTD. Nigeria with offices in 36 states of Nigeria the Federal Capital Territory and around the world It is Nigeria’s most authoritative news media available on all platforms for the political professional and diplomatic elite and broader middle classes while serving as the meeting point of new ideas culture and technology for the aspirationals and millennials The newspaper is a public trust dedicated to the pursuit of truth and reason covering a range of issues from breaking news to politics sports and community to the crossroads of people and society You can email us at: hello@thisdaylive.com or visit our contact us page The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) announced the gradual release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam to mitigate potential flooding in Nigeria. In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, NIHSA’s Director-General, Mr. Umar Mohammed, disclosed that the dam’s management had officially communicated the decision to gradually increase water release over the next seven days. Starting from September 17, 2024, the release rate will initially be 100 cubic meters per second, equivalent to 8.64 million cubic meters daily, with the possibility of increasing to 1,000 cubic meters per second. Mohammed further explained that the final release rate would depend on water inflows from the Garoua River, the main source of the Lagdo Dam, which also feeds into Nigeria’s Benue River, a vital waterway The statement reads, “The release will be regulated to ensure that water levels do not exceed the capacity of the Benue River system, preventing major flooding in downstream areas of Nigeria,” He called for increased vigilance in states along the Benue River, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers. He also urged federal, state, and local governments to take necessary precautions and prepare for potential water level increases to minimize the risk of flooding. He assured the public that measures have been implemented to manage the water flow and minimize the risk of flooding, with the release set to stop once inflows to the Lagdo reservoir are under control. He stressed that there is no immediate cause for concern, as water levels along the Benue River remain within safe limits. Recent floods in Nigeria: In the past weeks, many states in the North have seen flash floods destroy homes, properties and farmlands. In Maiduguri, following the collapse of the Alau dam, major parts of the city have been underwater. In response, the federal government has announced a N3 billion support package to states across the country. IN SHORT: Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has been in the news in Nigeria with many claiming water released from it has contributed to devastating flooding in Nigeria But one photo circulating on social media is misleading and shows a US dam unrelated to the story Local news media reported earlier in the year that the National Emergency Management Agency, or Nema, had predicted 32 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory Nema is the agency in Nigeria responsible for managing disasters and related issues.  It has been widely reported in both local and international media that excess water released from the Lagdo Dam contributed to flooding in some parts of Nigeria in 2022 leading to loss of life and damage to properties.  But in October, a news organisation reported that Nigeria’s water minister Suleiman Adamu said Lagdo Dam contributes “only one percent to the flooding in Nigeria even though sometimes the water is released without notice” Here the photo is identified as showing Fort Gibson Dam in Oklahoma The photo circulating on Nigerian social media doesn’t show Lagdo Dam and was not taken in Cameroon You can republish the text of this article free of charge, both online and in print. However, we ask that you pay attention to these simple guidelines as in most cases we do not own the copyright 3. Make sure you credit "Africa Check" in the byline and don't forget to mention that the article was originally published on africacheck.org A fact-checker has rated your Facebook or Instagram post as “false” Click on our guide for the steps you should follow The content we rate as “false” will be downgraded on Facebook and Instagram public figures need to be held to account for what they say non-partisan organisation which assesses claims made in the public arena using journalistic skills and evidence drawn from the latest online tools sorting fact from fiction and publishing the results Help us keep it that way by supporting our work Africa Check values your trust and is committed to the responsible management, use and protection of personal information. See our privacy policy. Support independent fact-checking in Africa The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Finance to make adequate budgetary provisions for the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State in the 2025 Appropriation Act to tame the perennial flooding in Nigeria The House also mandated the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and that of Works to expedite the completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam which will act as a buffer and help to absorb excess water released from the Lagdo Dam and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas These were sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the House Minority Leader was built in 1982 primarily for irrigation and electricity generation but every year He expressed worry over the recurrent loss of lives The lawmaker noted that despite early warnings by the Nigerian authorities about the release of water from the Lagdo Dam Chinda said the proposed Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State was agreed upon in principle between Nigeria and Cameroon to help contain the excess water from the Lagdo Dam but the project has remained stalled for years due to funding and bureaucratic delays “urgent need for the Federal Government to develop long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of the annual flooding and to protect vulnerable communities along the River Benue and Niger basins “Unless swift actions are taken to engage relevant stakeholders thus diminishing the confidence of the people in the leaders the House mandated the Nigerian/Cameroon Friendship Group to investigate the Nigerian/Cameroonian arrangement/agreement on the Lagdo Dam and mitigation measures therein and advise the House within two weeks for further legislative action It urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to henceforth enhance early warning systems and improve evacuation and relief efforts for communities in flood-prone areas prior to the event has said the state is prepared to weather the potential risk of flooding in the event of the opening of the Lagdo Dam the state has engaged in massive enlightenment campaigns to mitigate the risk He disclosed this to State House correspondents on Thursday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa Governor Alia sought to dispel concerns about the state’s readiness for possible floods He highlighted the administration’s focus on preventive measures rather than reactive planning the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is fully equipped to handle any flood-related challenges The governor also mentioned ongoing discussions about dredging the river and exploring various options before seeking federal government support “I didn’t say we are thinking about what to do when the floods come We are creating awareness for all our people Maybe why you mentioned that is the fact that I had said the river requires dredging exploring to see which are the best options before the federal government comes in to support us They have the capacity to take charge of all this Alia acknowledged the persistent issue of residents living in flood-prone areas along waterways He outlined a two-pronged approach of appealing to these individuals while also emphasizing the risks associated with their choices then it’s their risk,” Alia explained Regarding the recent Supreme Court decision on local government autonomy Governor Alia responded to allegations of candidate imposition in local government elections describing it as transparent and inclusive “What we did was to engage in a direct process,” Alia explained stating that hardworking APC members were supported for nominations The governor emphasized the fairness of the process acknowledging that while there might be some dissatisfaction efforts were made to give everyone a voice “I wouldn’t try to toy with the reputation I built with my name and personality,” Alia asserted reaffirming his commitment to transparency Looking ahead to the October 5th elections Governor Alia expressed excitement and advised those who might not succeed at the polls to remain optimistic about future opportunities regulations for recall of lawmakers by aggrieved constituents Edo Guber: CAN holds prayer session for successful Call for emergency rule: You can’t summon Zamfara Suspected herdsmen hijack fully loaded vehicle Police deploy tactical commanders to troubled Benue communities Benue police commissioner relocates tactical commanders to troubled areas Benue official reacts to leaked viral adult video scandal The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted Nigerians to expect flood in nine states as Cameroon began the release of water from its Lagdo Dam in Abuja when he briefed newsmen on the release of water from the dam He said that the nine affected states which had communities along the banks of River Benue may be affected by the water release which is expected to last till the end of October Ahmed said that the recent release had led to the displacement of communities and could lead to further destruction of crops and other infrastructure “NEMA has been alerted on sudden increased inundation of riverine communities and farmlands along the banks of River Niger in Adamawa Taraba and Benue states in the past 48 hours “The sudden situation is attributed to the rapid release of water from Lagdo fam in the Republic of Cameroon and has resulted in the displacement of several inhabitants of the affected communities lands and valuable infrastructure are at risk of getting washed away by the flood waters “Situation reports from Adamawa State confirmed the upsurge of flood waters along the flood plains of River Benue “The situation is expected to be replicated in downstream states of Taraba Delta and Bayelsa as the River Benue joins River Niger and flows to the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta,” he said The director general also cautioned states and local government areas along the River Niger and Benue Basins to immediately activate their emergency response plans to avert potential damage and losses that could arise due to the flooding of communities 159,157 persons had been affected by this year’s flooding as 28 persons had lost their lives and 48,168 individuals displaced in 13 states across the country added that the agency would continue to provide further updates as it received more situation reports from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as well as frontline states’ emergency management agencies BusinessDay many Nigerian communities along the courses of River Niger and River Benue have been affected by floods.The flooding which has claimed many lives and properties in Kogi state has also ravaged communities in Benue the National Emergency Management Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHISA) informed Nigerians that “the Lagdo Dam operators in the Republic of Cameroon had commenced the release of excess water from the reservoir on September 13 The agencies said they were “aware that the released water cascades down into Nigeria thereby overwhelming communities that have already been impacted by heavy rainfall” But the flooding affecting Kogi state particularly did not start today The problem can be traced back to the 80s when the Nigerian government failed to honour an agreement it had with the Cameroonian authorities The construction of the Lagdo Dam located in Northern Cameroon started in 1977 and was completed in 1982.  Cameroon and Nigeria had an agreement to build two dams such that when water is released from the Cameroonian dam the Nigerian dam would contain it and prevent it from causing floods.  to cushion the effect of possible flooding from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon the Nigerian government agreed to build a shock-absorber dam tagged Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State.  The Dasin Hausa dam was supposed to be two and a half the size of the Lagdo dam which was built to supply electricity to the northern part of Cameroon and allow the irrigation of 15,000 hectares of crops downstream the dam project sited at the Dasin Village of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State was supposed to generate 300 megawatts of electricity and irrigate about 150,000 hectares of land in Adamawa the Nigerian government has yet to complete the building of the Dasin Hausa dam.  anytime the Cameroonian government releases excess water from the Lagdo dam and northeastern states get flooded.  According to the spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) the 2022 flooding is the highest Nigeria has ever had since 2012 The flood in Kogi has displaced thousands of Nigerians resident in the Ibaji Local Government Area of the state The area has completely been submerged for days About six persons have reportedly died including a toddler and over 600 hectares of rice farmland among several buildings have been destroyed.  Since the opening of the Lagdo dam in September 3,274 people in Benue state have reportedly been affected while about 1,213 houses are reported to have been destroyed.  a total of 92 people have died from flooding while 651,053 persons in six local government areas have been displaced by floods according to Nigerian Tribune years after its failure to build a dam to address the perennial flooding issue in states and communities along River Benue the Federal Government of Nigeria has made a futile move to forestall the recurrence of the 2012 devastating floods.  Nigeria sent a high-powered delegation to Yaounde Cameroon’s capital to deliberate with the country’s authorities and to demand a commitment from them on how to address the periodic flooding in Nigeria caused by their Lagdo dam Nigeria and Cameroon signed a memorandum of understanding which entails information sharing between the two countries about rainfall and how to manage the release of excess water without leading to flooding disasters It was also agreed that before Cameroon opens its dam it must issue an early warning to enable Nigeria put proactive measures in place to prevent the destruction of lives and properties It is in compliance with the MoU that the Central African country usually deems it necessary to inform Nigerian authorities about its intention to release excess water from the Lagdo dam has failed to sufficiently address the flooding issue in Nigeria.  Engr Clement Nze said the Lagdo dam authorities did not inform Nigeria before they opened the dam which released water for three weeks rather than completing the construction of the Dasin Hausa dam which is said to be 90 percent completed -to prevent flooding- the Nigerian Government prefers to annually put Nigerians in Kogi and some states in the northeast on red alert before the water released in Cameroon finds its way to their communities The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the excess water released in Cameroon from the Lagdo dam will cause heavy flooding in 13 states said this on Monday at an emergency technical meeting held in Abuja on flooding in the country He also said over 300 persons have been killed and 100,000 others displaced over flooding since January 2022 Among the states listed to experience flooding as a result of the dam opening are Adamawa The NEMA DG also warned that between now and the end of October with a situation that may be worsened owing to the release of water from Cameroon “Based on our communication with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency the Lagdo dam operators in the Republic of Cameroon commenced the release of excess water from the reservoir by September 13,” he said “We are aware that the released water cascades down to Nigeria through River Benue and its tributaries thereby inundating communities that have already been impacted by heavy precipitation “The released water complicates the situation further downstream as Nigeria’s inland reservoirs are also expected to overflow between now and October ending according to Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency “According to Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency Kainji and Jebba dams have already started spilling excess water from their reservoirs “This will have serious consequences on frontline states and communities along the courses of rivers Niger and Benue.” The agency also urged governments of the affected states to identify safe areas for evacuation as well as make provisions for food items and other emergency response measures and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Anthony Ailemen