Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has issued a warning about potential flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the minister highlighted the increasing water flow towards the Niger Delta region, urging citizens and authorities to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent disasters.
He pointed to the recent flooding in Maiduguri and Jere areas of Borno State, which he said was caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, located about 10 kilometers from Maiduguri’s city center. The massive water inflow came from the Ngadda River, a key tributary of the River Yedzaram.
“Alongside my colleague, the Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, we visited Maiduguri with key officials to assess the damage and express solidarity with the Borno State Governor,” Utsev said. “As we grieve the losses in Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, and other states impacted by flooding, it’s crucial for Nigerians to be aware of the potential river flooding of the Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as their tributaries.”
The minister warned that daily water flow data showed a significant rise in river levels, nearing critical levels. He called for improved preparedness, particularly in the southern regions of the country, where flood risks are expected to increase as water heads toward the delta.
Utsev also referenced the Presidential Committee on Flood Disaster Prevention, chaired by his ministry, which recently submitted a report recommending 10 key strategies to mitigate the annual flooding issues in Nigeria. As part of the response, President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦108 billion for flood prevention efforts across the country’s 36 states.
“As we recover from these tragedies, I call on all sub-national governments and stakeholders to heed early warning systems and implement necessary flood prevention and response measures to protect citizens from further suffering,” the minister concluded.
