The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has refuted the notion that the recent floods in Nigeria are a result of the Lagdo Dam’s opening in Cameroon.
According to Clement Nze, the Director General of the agency, these floods are primarily caused by flash floods, inadequately constructed or absent flood channels, and insufficient drainage systems throughout the country.
Nze made these statements during a press briefing held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. He further clarified that even if the Lagdo Dam were to collapse, its impact would not extend beyond Numan in Adamawa State.
The Director General noted that the dam is currently closed, and while urging for calm, he emphasized that flood alerts had been issued to states that would be adversely affected since February.
Additionally, Mr. Nze is advocating for the establishment of earth dams along the tributaries of the Niger and Benue rivers, and he is urging swift progress in constructing the Kashimbila Dam in Adamawa State.
He also clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Nigeria and Cameroon in 2016 does not mandate Cameroonian authorities to notify Nigeria prior to releasing water from the Lagdo Dam.