The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has assured the public that the water levels in the River Niger remain manageable as the country braces for potential flooding during the rainy season.
According to The PUNCH, the NIHSA’s Director-General, Mr. Umar Mohammed, emphasized the agency’s commitment to adhering to flood preparedness protocols.
He noted that water levels in the River Niger Basin have been gradually decreasing since early October.
“Jebba Dam is currently releasing excess water in coordination with the operators of Kainji Dam,” Mohammed explained. “The Kainji Dam has maintained a 53-centimetre buffer to manage any fluctuations in water inflow.”
Mohammed further stated that NIHSA’s Director of Operational Hydrology, Mr. Femi Bejide, is working closely with dam operators to ensure that reservoir management is effective, particularly with Kainji and Jebba Dams.
Despite the southward shift of the rainy season, water inflows continue into Nigeria, monitored by NIHSA stations at Jidere Bode and Kende. Mohammed reassured that the agency remains focused on collaborating with both national and international dam authorities to mitigate the impact of river flooding and foster Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
In his statement, Mohammed also urged communities in flood-prone areas to remain alert and follow safety guidelines, as NIHSA will continue monitoring weather patterns and water inflows.
According to the agency’s 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, 148 Local Government Areas in 31 states, including Adamawa, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, and Lagos, are at high risk of flooding. The warning comes after NIHSA’s previous alert on September 25, which indicated rising water levels in the Niger Basin.
With these measures in place, NIHSA remains dedicated to minimizing flood risks and ensuring public safety across Nigeria.
