The federal government has issued a warning about impending river flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers, urging states to prepare for increased flood risks as water levels near critical levels.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, gave the warning during a press briefing following recent devastating floods in Maiduguri and Jere, Borno State.
The floods, which displaced millions and destroyed homes, farmlands, and essential infrastructure, were triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam due to heavy inflows from the Ngadda River.
While expressing sympathy for the affected people of Borno, the minister emphasized that the government’s efforts extend beyond recovery, focusing on preventing a broader disaster.
He said: “The attention of Nigerians is hereby drawn to the probable river flooding on rivers Niger and Benue and some of their tributaries. The daily flow on these rivers indicates a significant increase in flow levels tending towards RED alert.
“This warning means that a large volume of water is moving through our rivers down to the delta region. Therefore, we should increase vigilance on all ramifications and step up proactive measures to address any eventual flooding events in the southern part of the country.”
Utsev revealed that teams from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) are currently on-site in Maiduguri assessing the damage caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam. Their findings will guide recovery efforts, but the government’s priority now is to prevent further devastation across the country.
Prof. Utsev noted that this year’s Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), released in April, had already identified 31 states, including Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, and Yobe, as high-risk areas for flooding. He emphasized the need for local authorities to heed early warnings and activate response measures immediately.
In a proactive step to address Nigeria’s ongoing flood challenges, the minister highlighted the work of the Presidential Committee on the Development of a Strategic Plan for Preventing Flood Disasters.
As part of its recommendations, President Bola Tinubu approved ₦108 billion to be distributed to all 36 states to tackle recurring floods. The strategic plan outlines actions to be taken before, during, and after flood events, with clear roles assigned to agencies and stakeholders.
“As we work to recover from this disaster, let us also remember that our water sources may be contaminated. I urge everyone to take necessary precautions to avoid the outbreak of waterborne diseases,” the minister warned.
The minister maintained that while relief efforts continue for those affected by the current floods, the nation must remain on high alert to prevent a potentially larger catastrophe.
“As we try to recover from this tragedy, I wish to implore all governments at the sub-national level and stakeholders to take heed to the flood early warning information from the Ministry and take proactive measures to forestall future flooding and activate response measures to alleviate the suffering of the citizens that have been affected by floods.” He stated.
