The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently issued a warning regarding anticipated flooding in the River Benue Basin.

According to the alert, Cameroon intends to release water from the Lagdo Dam, which could lead to severe flooding.

In 2016, Nigeria and Cameroon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) stipulating that Cameroon would inform Nigeria before opening the dam’s gates.

Cameroon officially notified Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the impending release and advised precautionary measures.

ALSO READ: Fatal confrontation between soldiers and residents in Lagos leads to man’s death

The Lagdo Dam, situated along the River Benue in Cameroon, has historically caused flooding in several Nigerian states along its path, including Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Kogi, and the Niger Delta region.

Despite previous agreements, the dam was unexpectedly opened in 2019 and caused devastating flooding in various Nigerian regions.

NEMA disclosed that the 2022 flood disaster resulted in 665 deaths, displaced 2,437,411 individuals, and affected 4,476,867 people.

NEMA’s spokesperson, Manzo Ezekiel, assured the public that NEMA was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to minimize negative impacts from the dam release.

He noted that the flow levels of the River Benue and River Niger were currently within normal limits.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) and Delta State government affirmed their readiness to address potential emergencies caused by flooding.

Environmental experts, including the Nigeria Society of Engineers’ president Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, emphasized the need for proactive measures.

ALSO READ: Nigerian army refutes alleged land seizure attempt in Osun community

Suggestions include constructing flood control dams along the Rivers Niger and Benue, dredging major rivers, and setting up early warning systems.

President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Committee pledged to implement policies to mitigate the flood’s impacts.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation urged swift evacuations of flood-prone areas.

Environmental remediation expert Dr. Moses Paul stressed prioritizing the safety and well-being of affected populations, offering mental health support and coordinating disaster response efforts.