The Nigerian Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has announced plans to construct five buffer dams to address recurring floods caused by the release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
NIHSA’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, revealed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday.
The Agency also issued a warning to residents of flood-prone areas, urging them to relocate to safer locations in anticipation of the annual flooding triggered by water release from the Lagdo Dam.
The flood-prone states include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.
Mohammed, represented by the Agency’s Director of Operations and Hydrology, Femi Bejide, stated that a report outlining solutions had been submitted to the Presidency. He emphasised that some of Nigeria’s dams require de-silting.
“There is a report submitted to the Presidency proposing the construction of five buffer dams, which the Federal Government is already considering,” he said.
“In the meantime, some dams need to be de-silted, and the tributaries of the River Niger and Benue must be widened. I understand there are some design issues that are being addressed, and within the next two to three years, we should see progress.”
This announcement follows the tragic flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, where the overflowing Alau Dam killed over 30 people and destroyed thousands of homes.