No immediate threat of flooding in Nigeria – Minister
While there is no immediate threat to flooding in Nigeria, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has said its imperative for all levels of government to bolster preparedness measures and minimize flooding during the peak rainy season.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in Abuja, Prof Utsev while highlighting the observations from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), emphasized that an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system had been noted.
He put the flow level at NIHSA’s gauging station in Makurdi as at 8.97 meters as of August 25th, 2023, compared to 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022.
“In contrast, the flow level of the River Niger system, specifically at Niamey, Niger Republic, remains stable at a normal level of 4.30 meters. Similarly, inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro report consistent flow regimes.
“With regards to the critical hydrological station downstream the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, Prof. Utsev assured that the measured parameters were currently within normal limits.
According to him, the downstream monitoring station, however, registered a flow level of 7.80 meters on August 25th, 2023, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022.
Recognizing Nigeria’s downstream position within the Niger River Basin, Prof. Utsev acknowledged the increased rainfall and flooding risk during the months of July to October.
He stressed that NIHSA maintained an active information-sharing relationship with Cameroon’s National Hydrological Services on water releases.
He called on governments at all levels to bolster preparedness measures and minimize flooding during the peak rainy season, by relocating individuals residing along river banks to higher ground, intensifying drainage maintenance, and constructing new drainage systems.
Prof. Utsev further emphasized the importance of removing unauthorized structures within floodplains and cautioned the public, particularly road users, against venturing into floodwaters.
Importantly, he reassured that, at present, there is no immediate threat to lives and properties, especially in states contiguous to the Rivers Niger and Benue.
