FG Issues Warning On Imminent Overflow Of Niger And Benue Rivers
As Nigeria continues to confront the aftermath of severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, and other regions, the Federal Government has issued a critical warning about potential flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers. During a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted the risk posed by increased water flow through these rivers toward the Niger Delta, urging proactive measures in southern Nigeria to prevent further disasters.
Utsev attributed the Maiduguri flood, which affected the Jere area, to the overflow of water from the Alau Dam, located near the city, driven by heavy inflows from the Ngadda River. The flood is part of a larger national crisis, with Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, and other states identified as high-risk areas for flooding, as outlined in the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
The flood in Maiduguri has already claimed over 30 lives and displaced more than 400 people, with recovery efforts underway. The Borno State Police Command reported the recovery of 11 bodies in various parts of the state. The Nigerian Air Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other government agencies have been mobilized to assess the damage and provide aid.
Prof. Utsev dismissed earlier rumors that the Alau Dam had collapsed, explaining that it was intact, but plans were underway for its upgrade to prevent future flooding incidents. He emphasized that climate change, combined with prolonged heavy rainfall, contributed to the disaster and urged local authorities and communities to remain vigilant as river levels rise.
Prominent northern groups, including the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum and the Northern Awareness Network, have commended the government’s response but called for enhanced efforts to mitigate flooding. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs also urged the government to fully deploy its emergency agencies to manage the current disaster and prevent future occurrences.
The Federal Government, meanwhile, has commenced the dredging of the Ogun River to reduce flooding in communities along its banks, including Isheri and Ikorodu in Lagos State. The six-month project is expected to increase the river’s depth and capacity, preventing the kind of devastation witnessed in other parts of the country.
As Nigerians mourn the losses and brace for further challenges, environmental enforcement agencies like the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) have warned facilities against violating environmental laws that could exacerbate flooding risks. With a focus on both immediate recovery and long-term prevention, the government’s multi-pronged approach aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure greater resilience against future disasters.
