The Federal Government of Nigeria issued a warning on Tuesday regarding the water discharge from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
In a press release signed by Umar Muhammed, Director General/CEO of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the government announced that the Lagdo Dam authorities would begin controlled water releases starting September 17, 2024.
The statement highlighted that the discharge is expected to gradually increase to 1,000 m3/s over the following week, influenced by the inflow from the Garoua River.
“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency informs the public that the Lagdo Dam operators have notified us of the initiation of controlled releases at a rate of 100 m³/s (8,640,000 m³/day) effective today, September 17, 2023,” the statement read.
It further noted that the water discharge will rise to 1,000 m3/s within seven days, contingent on the upstream inflow from the Garoua River, a key source for the reservoir and an important tributary to the Benue River.
The dam operators have assured that the releases will be gradual to prevent exceeding the Benue River’s capacity, which could lead to significant flooding downstream in Nigeria. The overflow from the Lagdo Dam is expected to stop once there is a clear reduction in inflow into the reservoir.
Despite the situation, the agency emphasized that there is no immediate cause for concern.
“The agency clearly states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream is not expected, given that water levels along the Benue River are still within safe limits,” it stated.
However, it urged states along the Benue River, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers, to enhance their vigilance and take necessary preparedness measures to address potential flooding risks due to rising river levels.
The agency will continue to monitor the flow conditions of the Benue River and other inland rivers, providing regular updates to prevent flood disasters.
Located in Cameroon’s Northern Province along the Benue River in the Niger basin, the Lagdo Dam’s water releases have historically raised concerns in Nigeria due to their impact on multiple states, especially as River Benue serves as a major entry point.
Recently, Borno State experienced severe flooding that resulted in over 30 deaths and affected more than a million residents.
