Federal Government Warns 11 States Ahead of Lagdo Dam Water Release From Cameroon

On Tuesday, the Federal Government of Nigeria issued an alert regarding the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. This announcement was made in a statement signed by Umar Muhammed, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). The release, which began on September 17, 2024, is expected to increase gradually over the coming days.

According to the statement, the water release from the Lagdo Dam will start at a rate of 100 cubic meters per second (m³/s), which translates to approximately 8.64 million cubic meters per day. Over the next week, the flow is expected to progressively increase to 1000m³/s, depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River. The Garoua River, a major tributary to the Benue River, significantly impacts the water levels in the Lagdo Dam’s reservoir.

The release is being carried out in a controlled manner to minimize the risk of flooding downstream in Nigeria. NIHSA assured the public that the dam operators in Cameroon will gradually increase the release to prevent overwhelming the Benue River’s capacity. “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 statement noted.

Despite the controlled release, the agency urged states along the Benue River system to remain vigilant. These include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers states. The agency advised the governments at all levels—federal, state, and local—to implement preparedness measures to mitigate any potential flood risks that could arise from increased river flow during this period.

The statement also aimed to alleviate public concerns, assuring that there is no immediate cause for alarm. NIHSA stated, “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.” However, the agency emphasized the importance of maintaining heightened vigilance and preparedness, particularly in flood-prone areas.

NIHSA promised to continue monitoring the situation and providing regular updates on the water levels of major rivers across Nigeria. The agency’s proactive stance aims to prevent future flood disasters, particularly as the transboundary Benue River and Nigeria’s inland rivers experience changes in water flow.

The release of water from the Lagdo Dam has historically raised concerns in Nigeria, as it often leads to flooding in states along the River Benue. In recent years, the situation has become a significant cause for alarm, particularly as flooding events have become more frequent and severe. Last week, Borno State experienced a devastating flood that claimed the lives of over 30 people and affected more than a million residents. While this recent flood was not directly linked to the Lagdo Dam release, it underscores the vulnerability of Nigerian states to such disasters, particularly during the rainy season when water levels are at their highest.

The Lagdo Dam, located in the Northern Province of Cameroon, plays a critical role in the Niger Basin’s hydrological system. Built on the Benue River, the dam’s reservoir spans an area of approximately 586 square kilometers. Because the River Benue is a major waterway in Nigeria, any changes in the dam’s water release patterns can have significant downstream effects, particularly in areas where riverbanks are prone to overflowing.

The Federal Government’s alert on the controlled release of water from the Lagdo Dam is part of broader efforts to minimize the risks associated with flooding and to ensure that citizens and local authorities are adequately prepared for any potential impacts. In light of recent flooding incidents across Nigeria, this proactive stance is essential in preventing further tragedies and protecting vulnerable communities. As the water release continues, all eyes will remain on NIHSA’s monitoring and the preparedness measures taken by the states along the Benue River system.