Abia, Delta, others at flood risk over rising water level of River Niger

The Nigerian Government has issued a warning on Friday about the rising water levels in the River Niger.

The government has alerted some states in the federation to brace for impact.

Umar Mohammed, Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), made the announcement in Abuja, explaining that floodwaters from Niger, Mali, and other nearby countries are gradually flowing towards Nigeria, starting in Kebbi State.

Mohammed attributed the development to upstream activities in Niger and Mali.

The River Niger, which runs through nine Nigerian states—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers—could face potential flooding.

The NIHSA statement assured that dam operators at Kainji and Jebba along the River Niger have been alerted and are prepared, with no water currently being released from the dams as of August 22.

The statement read: “NIHSA has assured that dam operators at Kainji and Jebba, situated on the River Niger have been informed and are on standby.

“As of August 22, the agency confirmed that these dams are not currently spilling water from their reservoirs.”

The agency expects flood risks to peak by the end of August and advised communities along the River Niger to remain on alert.

Meanwhile, according to the World Economic Forum, Nigeria’s most severe seasonal flooding occurred in 2012, resulting in over 600 deaths, 1.3 million displaced, and the destruction of more than 200,000 homes and 266,000 acres of farmland.