The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians on the planned release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, starting from Tuesday, 17 September 2024. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Engr. Umar Muhammed.
According to the statement, the authorities in Cameroon have communicated that controlled water releases from the Lagdo Dam will begin at a rate of 100 m3/s (8,640,000 m3/day). The release is expected to gradually increase to 1000 m3/s within seven days, depending on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River, a major arm of the Benue River.
The NIHSA DG assured the citizens, stating, “The water release will be gradual to ensure it does not exceed the Benue River’s conveyance capacity.
“The agency will continue 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.
“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.”
“Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance for all states bordering the Benue River system, namely: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers, along with the government at all levels (federal, state, 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.
The Lagdo Dam, located in northern Cameroon, has been a source of concern for many Nigerians due to its impact on the River Benue, which flows into several states. Last week, over 30 people were killed in Borno State following devastating floods, affecting over one million people residing in the state.
