The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has stated that the recent floods in Nigeria are not primarily due to the opening of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
According to the agency, the flooding is due to various factors, including flash floods, poorly constructed or lack of proper flood channels, and inadequate drainage systems across the country.
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FG says Nigerian floods are caused by opening of Lagdo Dam. Photo: Punch[/caption]
According to Clement Nze, the Director General of NIHSA, even if the Lagdo Dam were to collapse, its impact would not extend beyond Numan in Adamawa State.
This suggests that the dam itself is not the main cause of the recent floods in Nigeria.
The Lagdo Dam is currently closed, and Mr Nze has called for calm among the public.
He mentioned that flood warnings had been issued to states that would be adversely affected as early as February, indicating that efforts were made to inform and prepare for potential flooding.
Nze is advocating for the construction of earth dams on the tributaries of the Niger and Benue rivers and the speedy completion of the Kashimbila Dam in Adamawa State,
Channels TV reports.
These measures are likely aimed at improving flood control and water management in Nigeria.
It is clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Nigeria and Cameroon in 2016 does not require the Cameroonian authorities to inform Nigeria before releasing water from the Lagdo Dam.
This lack of notification might contribute to the challenges of managing water flow and mitigating the impacts of dam operations on downstream areas in Nigeria.
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