The Federal Government has issued an urgent flood warning for the Niger and Benue rivers, advising states to prepare for potential flooding as water levels approach critical thresholds. This warning follows recent severe floods in Maiduguri and Jere, Borno State, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam due to heavy inflows from the Ngadda River.
Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized the gravity of the situation during a press briefing. He extended his sympathy to those affected in Borno and stressed that the government’s primary focus is on preventing a broader disaster.
“We are alerting Nigerians to the imminent risk of flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers and their tributaries. Current flow levels are nearing RED alert status,” Utsev stated.
He called for heightened vigilance and proactive measures, particularly in southern regions where the significant volume of water is expected to flow downstream.
Utsev also noted that teams from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) are in Maiduguri assessing the damage from the Alau Dam overflow. Their assessment will inform recovery efforts, but immediate efforts are focused on preventing further damage.
The Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) for this year, released in April, had already identified 31 states, including Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, and Yobe, as high-risk areas for flooding. Utsev emphasized the need for local authorities to act on early warnings and implement response measures without delay.
In response to ongoing flood challenges, the Presidential Committee on the Development of a Strategic Plan for Preventing Flood Disasters has taken proactive steps. President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦108 billion for distribution to all 36 states to combat recurring floods. The strategic plan includes measures to be taken before, during, and after flood events, with clear responsibilities for agencies and stakeholders.
“As we work on recovery, we must also be mindful of potential contamination of water sources. I urge everyone to take precautions to prevent waterborne diseases,” Utsev warned.
The minister concluded by urging state governments and stakeholders to take flood warnings seriously and implement effective response measures to mitigate the impact on affected citizens.
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