The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has warned of potential flooding on the Niger and Benue rivers as a large volume of water flows towards the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the minister called for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent future flooding, especially in southern Nigeria.
Utsev highlighted that recent flooding in Maiduguri and Jere in Borno State was caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, resulting from massive inflows from the Ngadda River, a major tributary of the River Yedzaram.
According to the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, 31 states, including Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, Yobe, Benue, and Gombe, are at high risk of flooding this year.
The minister and his team recently visited Maiduguri to assess the damage and express solidarity with the Borno State government. He warned that water levels in the Niger and Benue rivers are nearing red alert, indicating increased risk of flooding as water moves towards the delta region.
Utsev also mentioned the Presidential Committee’s Strategic Plan for Preventing Flood Disasters in Nigeria, which outlines 10 strategic areas for intervention before, during, and after flooding. The plan, which received presidential approval, includes ₦108 billion allocated to all 36 states to tackle recurring floods.
The minister urged sub-national governments and stakeholders to heed early warning information and take preventive measures to mitigate the impact of future flooding. He emphasized the need for improved preparedness to safeguard citizens and reduce the damage caused by floods.
