No Release of Water From Lagdo Dam—FG

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has dismissed widespread rumours suggesting water has been released from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr Joseph Terlumun Utsev, confirmed that he personally contacted the Lagdo Dam Manager, Mr Ahmad Bivoung, who verified that the dam’s current water level stands at 2.06 meters — far below any threshold requiring a release.

He reassured Nigerians that with the dam at a low level, it poses no immediate flood threat.

“There has been no release of water from the Lagdo Dam,” the Minister stated, adding that, “We are in constant communication with Cameroonian authorities and will notify the public if there is any official release.”

The clarification comes amid growing public anxiety, particularly in flood-prone areas, following unverified media reports. The government urged citizens to disregard such false reports and remain calm while continuing to observe established flood preparedness protocols.

Communities in Lokoja (Kogi State), Wurobokki (Adamawa State), and Makurdi (Benue State), which often bear the brunt of seasonal flooding, were specifically advised to monitor early warning systems and consult the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Flood Dashboard for real-time updates.

Highlighting ongoing flood mitigation efforts, Mr Utsev noted that the government has ramped up operations at existing dams along River Benue’s tributaries to manage water levels more efficiently and prevent emergency discharges.

Key projects include the completed study and design for the Datsin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State, which is now set for construction through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, with a Transaction Adviser already engaged.

Additionally, the Kashimbila Dam in Taraba State continues to play a crucial role in regional flood control. Meanwhile, the upgrade of Wannune Dam and the development of Dura Dam in Benue State have reached advanced stages, underscoring the government’s long-term commitment to water infrastructure development and disaster resilience.

It reiterated its commitment to transparent communication and proactive planning to mitigate the impact of potential flooding across the country.