Flood looms in Nigeria as Cameroon sets to open Lagdo dam

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Cameroonian government has sent a notice to Nigeria release of huge volume of water from it Lagdo dam.

There are high expectations that the process will cause flood disaster in some states in Nigeria.

In a letter received by the National Emergency, signed by the Director of Africa affairs, Umar Salisu, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs ministry, the following states in Nigeria are likely to be affected by the release “Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River”.

Some of the states on Sunday have sent signals to affected residents to evacuate the area in order to avoid the loss of lives and property.

The letter, which was addressed to the National Emergency Management Agency and obtained by Irohinoodua stated “I have the honour to inform that the ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead due to the heavy rainfall around the dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon.”

The letter noted “In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitise the populace living in such areas to vigilance and all necessary precautions.”

“A flow level of 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022. The flow level on the River Niger system remains stable, with the level of the River Niger at Niamey, Niger Republic, standing at a normal level of 4.30 meters.

“Reports from inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro also indicate a consistent flow regime. The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.80 meters on Friday, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022.”