The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) on Thursday warned that many communities may soon face serious flooding as water levels in Rivers Niger and Benue, and their tributaries, have risen to their peak.
The Director-General of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed, gave the alert in Abuja while updating the public on the state of major rivers and dams across the country.
Mohammed said the rise in water levels has increased the risk of flooding in vulnerable towns and villages along the Niger–Benue basin. He urged residents and authorities to take quick precautionary measures.
He explained that Rivers Rima, Kaduna, and Gongola, which feed into the Niger and Benue, have also reached high discharge levels, putting nearby farmlands and communities at greater risk.
According to him, many large dams in the country are recording surges as the rainy season reaches its peak.
“Kainji and Jebba dams, both on River Niger, are currently releasing excess water to maintain safety levels. This situation poses threats to nearby communities such as Kainji, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, Mokwa, Jebba, Gungu, Gana, Fanga, Bele, Bere, Gaba and Baro,” Mohammed said.
On the Zungeru Dam in Niger State, he explained that while it is not spilling yet, its reservoir has risen to 229.15 metres, while water downstream stands at 134.17 metres.
He said Goronyo Dam in Sokoto State has reached full capacity and is now spilling at maximum rate, already causing flooding in Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka Yerimawa, Kurukuru, and surrounding areas.
The Kiri Dam in Adamawa is also spilling. The downstream water level is now 8.42 metres, leading to flooding in Kiri, Tallum, Banjiram, Purokayo-Lakumna, and Shelleng.
On the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, often linked to floods in Nigeria, Mohammed said it is not spilling at the moment.
“The water level at Lagdo stands at 37 metres, still below its maximum capacity of 40 metres. This means there is still storage space. The flooding in Adamawa, especially in Yola North, Yola South, Girei and Numan, is mainly caused by heavy local rainfall and runoff within the River Benue catchment,” he said.
The DG assured that NiHSA will continue monitoring the situation and provide timely updates to authorities and the public.
He urged state governments, emergency agencies, and residents of flood-prone communities along the Niger and Benue rivers to take early action to protect lives and property.
“The agency is working closely with dam operators to reduce the impacts downstream. But communities must also play their part by leaving floodplains, safeguarding valuables, and following early warning alerts,” Mohammed added.
He stressed that while technical interventions are in place, community preparedness and awareness remain the most important ways to reduce losses from this year’s floods.
