Cameroon Dam Flood Set to Affect States Within Seven Days, Warns FG

The Federal Government issued a warning on Monday, predicting that frontline states along the path of River Benue could face flooding in the upcoming seven days due to the opening of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

During a briefing in Abuja convened by the Presidential Committee established by President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, outlined that the newly formed committee will implement strategies and rescue missions to counteract the impending flood impacts resulting from the Lagdo Dam’s release.

Edu urged the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to swiftly take action by facilitating the immediate evacuation of residents in flood-prone areas to safer locations.

She stated, “This coordinating meeting is holding at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, who directed such after I raised the issue of flooding in today’s Federal Executive Council meeting. Mr. President directed that all relevant ministries must meet to find a solution to the issue of flooding.”

Edu highlighted the recent opening of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon as a catalyst for the anticipated flooding in the coming days. Flooding has been a recurrent challenge in Nigeria, leading to significant loss of lives and property. In response, President Tinubu mandated the committee to ensure thorough preparedness against the impending consequences of the dam’s release.

The Minister of Environment, Iziaq Salako, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, joined the briefing alongside the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. They expressed commitment to intensifying efforts to mitigate the devastating effects of floods, indicating the government’s proactive stance in addressing the impending crisis.