The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a flood alert as Cameroon prepares to start regulated water releases from the Lagdo Dam into Nigeria. NIHSA's director-general, Umar Mohammed, announced that the water discharge will commence on September 17.
The statement notes that the water flow is expected to gradually increase to 1,000 m³/s over the next week, driven by inflows from the Garoua River, the main source feeding the reservoir and a significant tributary of the Benue River. However, dam operators have assured that the releases will be controlled to prevent overwhelming the Benue River system and causing significant flooding downstream in Nigeria. The discharge from the Lagdo Dam is expected to stop once there is a noticeable decrease in inflow to the reservoir.
NIHSA emphasized that there is no immediate cause for alarm, as major flooding downstream is not anticipated since the current flow levels along the Benue River remain within safe limits. Nonetheless, it is essential for states along the Benue River system—Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers—as well as all levels of government, to stay vigilant and implement preparedness measures to address potential flooding risks from rising river levels.
The agency will continue to monitor flow conditions in the Benue River and other national rivers, providing regular updates on water levels to prevent future flooding disasters.