FG warns 11 states as Cameroon Plans Lagdo Dam Release

The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians to the water release from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. 

This was disclosed in a press statement by Umar Muhammed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

Muhammed noted that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon will begin controlled water releases starting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

He said the water discharge is expected to gradually escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River. 

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 overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir.

The Agency said it is necessary 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 to heighten their watchfulness and implement appropriate preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding impacts that may arise due to an increase in flow levels of major rivers during this period.

The NIHSA stated that there is no need for alarm as it will continue to 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.