No Water Release from Lagdo Dam, NIHSA Clarifies

The Federal Government has dismissed reports circulating on electronic and social media claiming that Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam has commenced the release of water, resulting in flooding across parts of the Benue River Basin, particularly Taraba and Benue states.
The clarification was contained in a statement signed by the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, in Abuja.
The statement described the reports as false and urged members of the public to disregard the unverified information and remain calm. It stated categorically that the Lagdo Dam Authority is not currently releasing water from its reservoir.
According to NIHSA, the dam is presently impounding water, contrary to reports suggesting that water has been released into the Benue River Basin. Data showed that the current water level at the Lagdo Reservoir stands at 209.82 metres, compared with its maximum operating level of 216 metres, leaving an available capacity of 6.18 metres for additional impoundment.
The statement also provided updates on major inland dams in Nigeria, noting that the Kainji Dam currently stands at 130.38 metres against its maximum operating level of 141.83 metres, while the Jebba Dam stands at 100.03 metres.
It explained that both dams remain within their normal operating levels despite experiencing lower-than-average inflows.
The agency further clarified that the flooding currently being experienced in many parts of the country is largely flash flooding caused by intense and prolonged rainfall, poor drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal and unauthorised urban development.
NIHSA therefore urged Nigerians to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.