KEY POINTS
- Nigeria plans to build five buffer dams to prevent floods.
- Additional measures include desilting dams and widening rivers.
- NIHSA warns residents in flood-prone states to move to safer areas.
The Federal Government of Nigeria is planning to prevent reoccurring floods in the country by embarking on a large-scale project to build five new buffer dams. This action follows the recent floods that hit Nigeria due to water release from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. This affected the lives of many people and properties.
Femi Bejide, the NIHSA Director of Operations and Hydrology, revealed to Channels Television that the Agency’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, has already presented a report to the Presidency recommending the construction of buffer dams.
Plans for buffer dams and flood prevention
The government’s proposal aims to reduce the impact of water from the Lagdo Dam by controlling its flow through buffer dams. “We need to create buffer dams, and five have been proposed. The Federal Government is already considering this,” Bejide shared.
He further explained that in addition to the new dams, the government plans to de-silt existing dams and widen the tributaries of the River Niger and River Benue to improve water flow and reduce flooding. This ambitious project is part of Nigeria’s long-term strategy to protect communities at risk of devastating floods.
“The government hopes to complete these projects within the next two to three years,” Bejide mentioned.
Warnings for flood-prone areas
NIHSA has alerted residents in flood-prone areas to seek shelter elsewhere. These regions include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.
These are some of the most affected regions by the flooding of the Lagdo Dam and stand to suffer more loss and damage if adequate measures are not implemented.
Recently, flooding has occurred with some destructive impacts in Maiduguri. Over thirty people drowned, and thousands of houses were submerged due to water from the Alau Dam.
The government has responded quickly in implementing these projects to avoid such a tragedy in the future.
