The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stepped in to address the concerns of Nigerian citizens regarding the forthcoming release of excess water from the Lagdo dam situated on the River Benue in the Republic of Cameroon.
In a press statement by Ezekiel Manzo, the Head of NEMA’s Press Unit, the agency reassured the public that it is actively collaborating with key stakeholders at the federal, state, and local government levels to minimize any adverse impact on the low-lying communities in the affected states.
NEMA had already anticipated the release and has taken necessary measures to tackle potential threats and ensure adequate response to the 2023 flood alert.
“As of August 25th, 2023, the water level of the River Benue at the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency gauging station in Makurdi measured 8.97 meters, compared to 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022,” said Manzo.
“On the other hand, NIHSA informs us that the flow level of the River Niger system, particularly in Niamey, Niger Republic, remains stable at a normal level of 4.30 meters,” he added.
Additionally, inland dams like Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro have reported consistent flow patterns.
“Regarding the hydrological station downstream—the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State—the current water levels are within normal limits. However, the downstream monitoring station observed a water level of 7.80 meters on August 25th, 2023, as opposed to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022,” stated Manzo.
The states situated downstream of the River Benue include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
