The federal government has issued a warning that several frontline states in Nigeria are at risk of flooding in the coming week due to the opening of the Lagdo Dam by the Cameroonian authorities. The dam, located along River Benue in Cameroon, has a history of causing flooding in Nigerian states along its navigation routes.

The states that may be affected include Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa. The flood warning alert was delivered by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, during a media briefing held after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja. The briefing was organized by the Presidential Committee instituted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Vice President Kasim Shettima as the committee chair.

In addition to Minister Edu, the committee includes Minister of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, and Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev. Edu urged the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to take immediate action by ensuring the safe evacuation of Nigerians from the affected communities to safer locations. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will collaborate with subnational and local government authorities to provide shelters for those affected by the flooding.

Edu expressed concern that despite the warning, some residents of the affected communities were hesitant to leave their ancestral homes. However, she emphasized the commitment of the Tinubu-led administration to implement necessary measures to protect the lives and property of Nigerians nationwide.

Salako, from the Ministry of Environment, revealed that flood warning alerts on the water levels of River Benue and River Niger, as well as the vulnerability of the affected areas, had been activated on an hourly basis across the country. The Ministry has also designed a platform to provide real-time information to environmental correspondents regarding flood warnings. Minister Salako stated that recommendations for long-term solutions would be presented to the President as part of ongoing efforts to address the issue of flooding.

Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, urged Nigerians to take precautions by clearing drainages while emphasizing the role of government at all levels in addressing the situation. He assured that the Ministry would focus on constructing dams and dredging rivers to mitigate future flooding.

The federal government is committed to working with the Cameroonian authorities to minimize the impact of the Lagdo Dam floodgate opening and prevent loss of lives and property. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for residents of the affected states to heed the warning, cooperate with authorities, and prioritize their safety.