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Tag: flooding

  • Flooding: Ogun monarch introduces weekly environmental sanitation in his domain

    Flooding: Ogun monarch introduces weekly environmental sanitation in his domain

    A traditional ruler in Ogun State and paramount ruler of all Awori-speaking people, Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bamigbade, Ayodele III, has issued an order to residents of estates and other communities in his domain to commence weekly environmental sanitation.

    In a letter to leaders and residents of the various estates and communities within his domain dated 11th of June, 2025, the traditional ruler stated that the decision stems from the need to curb likely flooding that are scheduled to come with heavy downpour in the coming months.

    According to the letter made available to newsmen signed by Oba Bamigbade himself, the action is also aimed at keeping to the warnings of the National Meteorological Agency (NIMET) suggesting flooding in some states of the federation occasioned by expected heavy downpour during the year.

    “In the light of the recent flooding predictions issued by the National Meteorological Agency (NIMET), it has become important for communities within our domain to take proactive steps towards safeguarding our environment and the well-being of our residents.

    “To this end, I am calling for a mandatory weekly sanitation across all the estates within the Isheri estates community,” the letter reads in parts.

    Read Also: Environmentalist urges governors to tackle flooding with ecological funds

    During the weekly activities when the event is scheduled to take place, residents are expected, amongst all other things, to clear their drains, distill their gutters as well as dispose of their domestic wastes properly.

    While assuring effective monitoring of the warning to residents, Oba Bamigbade stated that he would personally visit estates and communities within his domain to ensure compliance.

    He stated that his palace and its adjourning precincts would take the lead while also ensuring that information regarding the warning is taken to the grassroots.

  • Environmentalist urges governors to tackle flooding with ecological funds

    Environmentalist urges governors to tackle flooding with ecological funds

    Renowned environmentalist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on governors of the Niger Delta states to take decisive action against persistent flooding and erosion by ensuring transparent and effective use of ecological funds.

    Mulade expressed concern that despite receiving a significant share of the over N600 billion ecological and erosion control funds disbursed by the federal government over the past decade, the region has seen little to no improvement.

    “We commend the federal government for its efforts in supporting flood-prone and erosion-affected states. However, in the Niger Delta, there has been no visible progress in the past 10 years,” he said.

    He decried the continued loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods, and food shortages caused by recurring floods, adding that widespread unemployment persists due to the washing away of farmland and crops.

    Mulade also criticized the Flood Management Committees established by the state governments, describing them as “political” and ineffective in addressing the disaster. 

    He urged leaders in the region to prioritize meaningful action and accountability.

    Read Also: Flooding: Edo to under study Wike, Akpabio model

    “It is imperative to State that failure of government at all levels is one of the greatest reason for the occurrence of the continuous flooding, loss of lives and destruction of properties in the Niger Delta States. Despite the huge investment of ecological funds in the region, the funds are diverted and swallowed up by political elites or gladiators of the region

    “Political overbearing coupled with corruption have made the Niger Delta governors not to properly put in place measures to tackle and address this critical issues. 

    “Rather, in order to cover their failure and mismanagement of the funds, they set up a political Flood Management Committee in some states to oversee the impact of the flood with the means to siphon millions of naira at the erection of temporal IDP Camps without regard for modern facilities, portable water, sanitation and hygienic environmental measures. There is no proper drainage system, natural waterways were blocked by building houses on water courses and defore

    station by community members,” he added.

    Mulade therefore called on the Niger Delta States to instead establish an agency that will be tasked with oversight functions on the issue of perennial flooding in the region.

    “The Niger Delta States need to create agencies saddled with specific responsibilities to manage the funds, and respond to the construction of storm water dam systems, open existing drainage systems, and natural waterways,” he proffered.

  • Flooding: We are ready, Lagos tells residents 

    Flooding: We are ready, Lagos tells residents 

    The Lagos State Government at the weekend assured residents that all preparations to avert flooding disasters have been emplaced, saying there was no need for panic.

    The Permanent Secretary (PS), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, gave the assurances at the flag-off of the state’s flood-free campaign at Alausa.

    According to him, Lagos under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ensured all relevant stakeholders as well as flood prone communities have been incorporated in its action plan.

    He noted the early warning by NiMET which listed Lagos among states that would be hit by flooding, adding that emergency simulations had since commenced, hotbed identified, desilting of drainages and other obstacles on flood channels cleared.

    Oke-Osanyintolu added that the three relief camps in the state have also been prepared should there be need for evacuation of residents affected by flooding.

    The Nation reports that the campaign commenced with an unscheduled visit to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) where the agency highlighted some of the steps it has taken in preparation for the rainy season. 

    The delegation proceeded to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and also visited the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs where discussions were held on building resilient communities.

    According to Oke-Osanyintolu, risk analyses had been conducted, local emergency management response strategies have been activated.

    The PS said that Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Apapa Alimosho and Amuwo Odofin local government have been identified as flood prone areas and emergency responders have been mobilised to these communities.

    He commended LASEPA for its remarkable intervention towards protecting the environment, noting that the services LASEPA has rendered so far were also part of Lagos flood preparedness measures.

    According to him, the state government is also ready for effective communication with the well equipped and manned command and control centre, as well as the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment for disaster response, emergency management and rescue.

    Oke-Osanyintolu appealed to residents to abide by the environment laws so as not to undermine government’s efforts He maintained that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has provided ownership and the political will to managed emergency in the state.

    “We need to thank the Governor for providing the working tools and support for the different emergency responders.

    “We are well prepared for any form of eventuality. Under the leadership of Mr Governor, we have established an efficient and effective response system.

    “Our Command and Control Centre now operates as a full-fledged agency, headed by a General Manager.

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    “The state emergency number remains 112, ensuring swift communication during emergencies.

    “All man-made causes of flooding are being addressed. Environmental laws are being enforced and structures that obstruct drainage systems are being removed.

    “We aim to build a resilient community. Disaster impact is most significant at the grassroots and our preparedness reflects that understanding,” he said.

    He said the governor’s efforts have helped to reduce mortality and morbidity from all forms of disasters in the state, alluding to how Lagos has become a reference point for other states of the federation seeking to emplace a functional emergency management system.

    In his remarks, the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, assured that his agency would be more vigilante especially in the identified local governments.

     “We will in turn reach out to these communities and let them understand that disaster management is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

    The Nation reports that LASEMA also played host to a delegation from Ondo State led by Mr Wellington Adebanwo, Special Adviser to the governor on emergency management, who said his term were on a tour of LASEMA’s facilities as they seek to equip, modernize Ondo SEMA for effective and efficient service delivery.

  • Flooding: Osun govt threatens to demolish illegal structures along waterways, rivers

    Flooding: Osun govt threatens to demolish illegal structures along waterways, rivers

    The Osun state government has issued a stern warning that it will demolish all illegal structures built along waterways and riverbanks, citing their potential to cause flooding.

    Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayowa Adejoorin, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The Nation, stating that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration is committed to proactive measures aimed at preventing flood-related disasters.

    Adejoorin revealed that the state has already commenced dredging and clearing of waterways across all 30 local government areas to ensure the free flow of water.

    He added that the government would enforce relevant sections of the law passed by the House of Assembly to remove all encroachments obstructing natural water channels.

    Read Also: Flooding: Ondo deploys excavators to clear waterways

    “Our priority is to protect lives and property. Clearing operations and enforcement actions have already begun, and any structure found to be illegally erected on waterways will be removed without hesitation,” Adejoorin warned.

    “To residents who built houses in swampy areas, river banks and along waterways, you should move now before you use your comfort to destroy lives and properties.”

    He added that the state government has commenced a sensitisation programme and campaign on the radio, and even engaged community leaders to discourage the dumping of refuse in waterways and gutters.

    “It is illegal to build your house along riverbanks and waterways. We are writing a notice to them for removal because you can’t use your selfish interest and comfort to implicate others. By relevant sections of law, we will remove the illegal structures, so we are telling them now to move.”

  • Flooding: Ogun, Lagos, O-ORBDA warn against poor waste disposal, seek urgent action

    Flooding: Ogun, Lagos, O-ORBDA warn against poor waste disposal, seek urgent action

    The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA) has raised concerns over indiscriminate waste disposal, construction on floodplains, and obstruction of water channels, warning that these practices are contributing to flooding in several parts of the country. 

    O-ORBDA urged Nigerians, particularly residents of Ogun, Lagos, and other southwest regions, to desist from such activities to prevent devastating floods during the wet season. 

    Speaking at the Authority’s headquarters in Abeokuta, Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, emphasised that floods are not just natural disasters but consequences of human disregard for the environment, worsened by poor waste management and inadequate drainage.

    The sensitization training, themed “Alleviating the Impact of Flood Through Proper Waste Disposal and Adequate Drainage System,” aimed to raise awareness on preventive measures. 

    Represented by Ayobami Oyalowo, Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Ashiru noted that while some flooding challenges may be unavoidable, many stem from human activities such as dumping refuse into waterways and building on water paths. He called for greater environmental responsibility to mitigate future disasters.

    “Floods are not merely natural disasters – they are often man-made crises amplified by poor waste management and inadequate drainage.

    “We all have to desist from throwing refuse into waterways; the challenge of building on water paths is also there. All of these wrong behaviours are contributing to the challenge of flooding because water will have to find its way.

    “Adequate management of waste is in our hands, it doesn’t matter who we are, knowing fully that there are consequences for all our actions. So, as Nigerians, we must all desist from this unhealthy and condemnable practice. There is a need for attitudinal change to defeat this unhealthy practice,” Ashiru said.

    Read Also: Flooding: Southeast, NEMA declare zero tolerance for silted drains

    He noted that while the agency is embarking on a lot of activities revolving around flood and erosion control, it has also organised the training to lead the vanguard of awareness against indiscriminate waste disposal and help to curb the flooding challenge in the country.

    Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, also identified indiscriminate waste disposal as a major challenge to addressing flooding in the country.

    Oresanya said, “This is why I am also suggesting that we can begin to have our drainage channels covered up to restrict access and reduce the temptation of people dumping refuse into these waterways because they are left open.

    “It is a policy that we can make to be part of our urban planning, we have to look at its dynamics, the cost-benefits, and even how we can cover the existing ones, it should be part of our reviews and resilience plans for our cities”.

    Oresanya said that the state government will continue to partner with relevant government agencies and all other stakeholders to ensure that the challenge of flooding is reduced to the barest minimum in the country.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, represented by Babatunde Akinwumi, urged members of the public not to leave the challenge of flood prevention to the government alone.

    He said that there is a need for every individual to take responsibility and be on the same page with the government by doing away with the dumping of refuse into waterways.

  • NEC declares flooding a national emergency

    NEC declares flooding a national emergency

    The National Economic Council (NEC) has declared the flooding crisis that has claimed 321 lives as a national emergency.

    It decried the widespread devastation and called for increased federal and state response efforts.

    NEC made the call during its 145th meeting at the State House in Abuja.

    Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, who addressed reporters along with other governors, said 34 states and 217 local governments have been impacted by the floods, affecting over 1.37 million people and displacing more than 740,000.

    Approximately 2,854 people have been injured, while 281,000 homes and 258,000 hectares of farmland have been damaged or destroyed.

    NEC urged state-level emergency management agencies to strengthen their coordination with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to enhance flood response efforts.

    Read Also: How to apply for new contactless passport application system

    The Council resolved that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation should conduct an integrity review of all waterways and dams to prevent further disasters.

    There was also a strong call for an annual dredging programme to desilt Nigeria’s waterways and reduce flood risks.

    NEC also directed state governments yet to submit reports on their flood management status to do so promptly to support a unified national response.

    Soludo highlighted a recommendation for the Green Climate Fund to establish an Infrastructure Resilience Fund, specifically to mitigate flood impact.

    The council noted that critical flood-prone regions, including parts of the Southeast and Southsouth, are not adequately included in current dam construction and flood mitigation plans, especially along the River Niger.

    NEC called for an inclusive approach to constructing dams that serve as flood barriers.

    Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, gave a breakdown of various accounts of the Federation.

    He said the balances were provided by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

    They are Excess Crude Account, $473,734,57 as at 31st of October; Natural Resources Account, N26,105,837, 627,67; and Stabilization Account, N36,299,482, 763.32.

    NEC urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to sustain the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFUND, for the betterment of Nigerians.

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, said the Council noted the positive contributions of TETFUND to education.

    He also said that the Council observed the rationale behind the establishment of NASENI, adding that the agency has been fulfilling its mandate of reducing dependency on hydrocarbons in Nigeria.

    “The Federal Government and the National Assembly are encouraged to sustain these two agencies for the betterment of Nigerians,” Zulum said.

    The Council commended NELFUND’s efforts in supporting less privileged students.

  • Agency issues fresh flooding alert

    Agency issues fresh flooding alert

    • River Niger rises

    The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has raised alert over the continuous rise in water levels along the River Niger, a development that occurred between Thursday, September 19, and Tuesday, September 24.

    The agency has confirmed an increase in water volumes flowing through the river, which has raised concerns about potential flooding in communities situated along its banks.

    The agency made this known in a statement yesterday by its spokesperson, Mrs. Lauretta Samuel.

    According to her, the agency has been monitoring the situation closely and is working in synergy with the relevant authorities, including the management teams of both Kainji and Jebba dams.

    She explained that both dams, which are key hydroelectric facilities along the River Niger, play a pivotal role in managing water flow, especially during periods of increased rainfall and runoff from upstream sources.

    Mrs. Samuel reassured the public that NIHSA is doing everything possible to ensure the dams’ capacities are managed efficiently to prevent spillage that could lead to widespread flooding downstream.

    Read Also: Only losers cry

    Despite these efforts, NIHSA has sounded a strong warning to communities living along the River Niger to take proactive steps in safeguarding their lives and property.

    “We strongly advise residents along the River Niger to keep away from flood plains and clear their water channels to prevent blockages, which could exacerbate the situation,” she said.

    Both Kainji and Jebba dams are critical to Nigeria’s power generation, but they also serve important role in flood control by regulating the release of water during periods of high inflows.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said ten communities have been displaced by flood, following heavy rains in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi.

    Mr Aliyu Shehu-Kafindagi, the Head of Operations of NEMA, Sokoto Office, made this known when he led a joint assessment team to the affected areas yesterday.

    He added that the incident left no fewer than 2,000 people homeless, who had no option than to flee to more safe areas.

    A statement by NEMA South West Zonal Coordinator, Olanrewaju Kadiri, said following heavy downpour that led to a flash flood in Ibadan South-West and Oluyole local government areas of Oyo State, which occurred on Tuesday, the NEMA South West Zonal Office, in collaboration with Oyo SEMA and Nigeria Red Cross Society, carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities.

    He said: “The flood disaster affected residential buildings, shops and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed, and many persons were also displaced.

    “Unfortunately two deaths were recorded while two persons are still missing.”

  • U.S, EU back Nigeria’s plan to combat flooding

    U.S, EU back Nigeria’s plan to combat flooding

    • Borno sets up relief committee, state records two cholera cases

    • Fed Govt seeks collective action against river pollution, flooding

    The United States (U.S.A) and the European Union (EU) have promised to assist Nigeria in combatting its perennial flooding.

    The U.S.A. offered to help Borno State flood victims and the EU donated €1,100,000 to assist the nation’s efforts in curtailing the effects of flooding on affected communities.

    A statement by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja reads: “In response to the current flooding, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), on behalf of the U.S. government, is providing assistance to the affected victims through UN agencies and our implementing partners.

    “Through the World Food Programme (WFP), USAID is providing hot meal rations in four camps hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and has reached more than 67,000 individuals in the past few days. The WFP also is providing emergency nutrition assistance to pregnant and lactating women, including children under five years old.   

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    “The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is using an initial $3 million in USAID funding to address flood needs across the country. To further address urgent needs, USAID is supporting the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) in conducting food airlifts to inaccessible areas in Borno and Maiduguri city.

    “Other USAID-funded partners, including international and local NGOs, are repurposing existing funds to provide critical assistance to individuals affected by the flooding in Maiduguri and neighboring Jere Local Government Area…”

    The EU donation is part of its release of €5.4 million in humanitarian aid to address flooding in Nigeria and five other countries – Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Mali and Burkina Faso – in the Lake Chad and Sahel regions.

    The funding is in addition to €232 million already allocated to the countries so far this year.

    The €5.4 million is to be shared as follows: Chad €1,000,000; Niger €1,350,000; Nigeria €1,100,000; Mali €1,000,000; Cameroon €650,000 Burkina Faso €300,000.

    EU’s Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič said: “Excessive rainfalls have lashed the Sahel and Lake Chad regions with unprecedented impact, displacing millions and causing widespread suffering and damage. We are mobilising all means at our disposal to help the most vulnerable in the flood-stricken countries, so they can receive much needed relief.”

    Also, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has constituted a 32-member committee on flood disaster relief distribution for victims of Maiduguri flood.

    A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, said the committee is chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring/Evaluation, Alhaji Baba Gujubawu, while Prof. Ibrahim Umara of the University of Maiduguri (UniMaid) is the Co-Chairman.

    Other members include representatives of the North East Development Commission, the police, EFCC, ICPC, DSS, NSCDC, NEMA, SEMA, religious and traditional rulers as well as relevant MDAs, representatives of UN organisations in Borno State and CSOs.

    Also, the Borno State government has confirmed two cases of cholera in one of the IDP camps.

    Health Commissioner, Prof. Baba Malum Gana, announced this at  kick-off of an oral cholera, measles vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation yesterday in Maiduguri, the state capital.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by Borno Government in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

    “With this flooding, we have four suspected cases, which were confirmed on Rapid Diagnosis Test.

    “The samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory, where two cases were confirmed as positive.

    “The patients have already been discharged and we have taken measures against cholera from the onset of the flood,” Gana said.

    Also, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, yesterday called for collective action to protect the country’s water bodies from pollution and flooding.

    Utsev spoke in Abuja during the commemoration of thisn year’s World Rivers Day with the theme: Protect Our Rivers from Pollution.

    “Our rivers are lifelines for communities, ecosystems, and economies across Nigeria. It is our collective responsibility to prevent pollution, flooding, and other threats that endanger these vital resources,” he said.

  • Brace for flooding, NiMet warns Kogi, Edo, Borno, Bayelsa, eight others  govt

    Brace for flooding, NiMet warns Kogi, Edo, Borno, Bayelsa, eight others  govt

    • First Lady, Lawan lift Borno victims with N550m
    • Dredging River Niger solution to flooding, says Kwara govt
    • Manifest your courage, leadership, Obasanjo tells Zulum

    The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted that 12 states are prone to flooding in the coming days.

    In its latest weather alert for moderate to heavy rainfall, the weatherman listed the states prone to flooding in the coming days as Borno, most of Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.

    The prediction reads: “There is high possibility, in the next seven days, to release water from Lagdo Dams as the document released from Ministry of Water Resources stated.

    “Consequently, runoff-water over the catchment areas will increase, coupled with moderate to heavy rainfall expected.

    “There are high prospects of flooding as a result of the expected moderate to heavy rainfall from September 20.

    “The streams along the path of the runoff-water release could also overflow their boundaries causing flooding, as we already have saturated soil moisture.

    “The places flagged for expected flooding are: Borno, most of Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states.”

    NiMet advised residents of the areas listed to be impacted to take proactive measures.

    It said: “Ensure access to clean drinking water and stock up essential supplies. Floodwaters may contaminate water sources and increase the risk of waterborne diseases. Stay connected with concerned authorities and emergency services, and assist vulnerable community members, including children and the elderly.”

    The Federal Government yes terday urged downstream states of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon to activate flood control measures to avoid loss of lives and properties in the coming days.

    Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Chief Uche Nnaji gave the advice in Abuja while addressing reporters on an earth tremor that occurred at Mpape in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and flood risks in some states.

    The minister recalled the opening of the Cameroonian Lagdo Dam, saying the overflowing of the dam affected about 137 hectares of land between July 1 and 31.

    Also, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and former Senate President Ahmad Lawan have donated N550 million to residents of Maiduguri affected by last week’s flood disaster in the Borno State capital.

    Mrs. Tinubu donated N500 million while Lawan gave N50 million to the flood victims.

    The First Lady announced her donation during a sympathy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum yesterday in Maiduguri.

    Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Mrs. Tinubu presented the donation to the governor and prayed for the affected persons.

    She praised the state government for displaying good governance at all levels, pledging the continued support of her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to youths and women in the state.

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    Zulum lauded the gesture, saying RHI programme empowered many women and the vulnerable in the state.

    Lawan made his donation on Tuesday when he visited Maiduguri to empathise with Governor Zulum, according to a statement by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja.

    The senator, who is representing Yobe North, was accompanied by Yobe State House of Assembly’s Deputy Speaker Y’au Usman Dachia, and two other state lawmakers, Adamu Dala Dogo and Sanda Karabade.

    Also, the Kwara State government has urged the Federal Government to dredge River Niger to curb the perennial flooding in Pategi and Edu local government areas of the state.

    The government advised residents of the state to always heed flood alerts, enlightenment, and precautionary measures announced by the government and traditional institutions.

    “In riverine communities, like Patigi and Edu and elsewhere, our royal fathers have continued to engage people in areas that are prone to flooding to relocate to places long allocated for the purpose. We appeal to our people to follow this important advisory as the government does its part of supporting them in various ways,” Communication Commissioner Bola Olukoju said.

    Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised Governor Zulum to use last week’s flood disaster in the state to prove his courage and leadership capability.

    Obasanjo said the two qualities are critical to overcome the unfortunate incident that befell Maiduguri due to a collapsed dam.

  • Flooding: Facts about Cameroon’s Lagdo dam affecting Nigeria

    Flooding: Facts about Cameroon’s Lagdo dam affecting Nigeria

    The federal government has alerted Nigerians to the water release from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

    The authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon will initiate controlled water releases starting from Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

    It said 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.

    The dam is located in the Northern Province of Cameroon, on the Benue River, in the Niger basin.

    The release of water from Lagdo Dam has long been a cause for concern for many in Nigeria as it affects many states because it serves as the entry point of River Benue.

    The majority of large dams in Cameroon are for power generation and irrigation and indeed, single-purpose hydropower dams are most common in the country.

    The climate around Lagdo Lake is temperate, and scenic, and a good holiday destination for tourists.

    In 2022, many roads were washed away, and many farmlands, houses, vehicles, and other properties succumbed to the overpowering effect of flooding from the dam.

    Read Also: Lagdo Dam water will be released gradually to prevent flooding — NIHSA

    Last week, there was a devastating flood in Borno State which killed over 30 persons and affected over a million citizens in the state.

    According to the findings, the construction of the Lagdo Dam started in 1977 and was completed in 1982.

    Records indicate that Cameroon and Nigeria were supposed to build two dams at inception, such that the Nigerian dam, known as Dasin Hausa dam which was to be in Adamawa State, would contain water released from the Lagdo Dam at any point in time.

    The Dasin Hausa dam was supposed to be two and a half the size of the Lagdo dam, meant to supply electricity to the northern part of Cameroon and also aid irrigation.

    But sadly, the absence of dams to control the excesses from Cameroon’s dam has continued to cause serious consequences on frontline states and communities along the courses of rivers Niger and Benue.

    The lake, where the dam is situated, is also the source of potable water, and irrigation of cotton, maize, millet, sorghum animal fodder, grazing fields, and fishing in and around Garoua.