ABUJA — The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has raised fresh concerns over the rising water levels of Rivers Niger and Benue, warning that communities along their banks are at serious risk of flooding as the rivers approach their peak.
In a statement issued by the Director General of NiHSA, Muhammad Umar, the agency stressed the urgent need for residents in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures and, where necessary, evacuate to safer grounds to protect lives and property.
Umar stated:
> “Rivers Niger and Benue have reached peak levels, thereby posing a threat of flooding to surrounding areas. Communities along these rivers should act proactively to safeguard their lives and property against the risk of flooding.”
He further explained that the agency is working closely with dam authorities to manage reservoir levels and mitigate the impact of water releases on downstream communities and vulnerable populations.
Tributaries and Dam Activities
According to NiHSA, the tributaries of Rivers Niger and Benue—such as Rima, Kaduna, and Gongola—are also at their peak, worsening the flood risk across several regions.
The situation is compounded by activities at major dams across the country:
Kainji Dam (Niger/Kwara States): Currently spilling excess water with reservoir level at 138.69m and downstream water level at 105.00m. At risk are Kainji town, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, Mokwa, and other communities along River Niger.
Jebba Dam (Kwara/Kogi States): Spilling excess water in coordination with Kainji, with reservoir level at 102.20m and downstream water level at 76.30m. Communities under threat include Jebba town, Gungu, Gana, Fanga, Bele, Bere, Gaba, Baro, and nearby settlements.
Zungeru Dam (Niger State): Not spilling, but the reservoir level has risen to 229.15m, with downstream water level at 134.17m.
Goronyo Dam (Sokoto State): Filled to capacity at 288m and spilling at maximum rate, leading to flooding in surrounding communities including Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka Yerimawa, and Kurukuru.
Kiri Dam (Adamawa State): Located on River Gongola, the dam is spilling excess water, with downstream levels at 8.42m, causing flooding in communities such as Kiri, Tallum, Banjiram, Purokayo-Lakumna, and Shelleng.
Lagdo Dam Situation
The agency clarified that no water has been released from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. However, heavy rainfall and internal runoff within the dam’s catchment are already causing flooding in Adamawa State, particularly in Yola North and South, Girei, and Numan.
Umar explained that the Lagdo Dam reservoir currently stands at 37m, below its design height of 40m, leaving some buffer capacity. Nevertheless, tributaries feeding into River Benue and intense rainfall in the region are driving significant runoff, worsening the flooding situation in Adamawa.
Final Appeal
NiHSA emphasized that with the rainy season at its peak and multiple dams under pressure, residents of vulnerable communities should act swiftly to reduce the human and economic losses associated with flooding.
