FG Issues Warning of Impending Floods on Rivers Niger, Benue

The Federal Government has issued a warning about potential flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers, as large volumes of water continue to flow through these rivers towards the Niger Delta region. The alert was raised by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, where he called for heightened vigilance and proactive flood prevention measures across southern Nigeria.

Utsev’s warning follows the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri, Borno State, where significant overflow from the Alau Dam—fed by the Ngadda River, a tributary of the River Yedzaram—caused widespread destruction in Maiduguri and Jere areas. The minister emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate similar disasters in high-risk areas.

Drawing attention to the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook published by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Utsev noted that 31 states, including Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Yobe, Taraba, Gombe, and Benue, are listed as high flood risk areas. The minister stressed that the rising water levels along the Niger and Benue rivers indicate an approaching “red alert” situation, requiring immediate preparedness to avoid future crises in the south.

“As we mourn the losses in Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, and other states affected by flooding, the attention of Nigerians is hereby drawn to the potential river flooding of the Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as some of their tributaries,” Utsev stated.

Utsev also referred to the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on the Development of a Strategic Plan for Preventing Flood Disasters in Nigeria. The committee’s report outlined 10 key strategies for addressing annual flooding, with a focus on pre-emptive measures and coordinated responses before, during, and after flooding events. President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦108 billion to be distributed among all 36 states for flood prevention and response initiatives.

The minister urged state governments and stakeholders to take flood early warning information seriously and implement necessary measures to protect vulnerable communities.

“We must heed the flood early warning information from the Ministry and take proactive steps to prevent future flooding, while also activating response measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens affected by floods,” he added.

The government’s efforts aim to mitigate future flood disasters and strengthen preparedness across the country as the rainy season intensifies.