Nigeria is once again on high alert over looming flood disasters as heavy rains trigger seasonal dam water releases across several countries.
Experts and emergency authorities have warned that vulnerable communities must not be left unprotected this year.
A climate change consultant, Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Akugbe Iyamu, President of the Association of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Practitioners, cautioned that Nigeria cannot continue to treat recurring floods with negligence.
“Since the 2022 wake-up call when massive floods claimed hundreds of lives and displaced millions, the probable thing should have been for the country to stay awake in subsequent years. Sadly, we keep treating these wake-up calls with negligence,” Iyamu lamented.
He explained that while countries like India, Vietnam, and Thailand proactively release excess dam water and issue early protective advisories, Nigeria has yet to adopt a clear national protocol for managing its more than 340 dams.
According to him, lasting solutions are needed to address perennial tragedies linked to the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon and other local dams.
He stressed that protecting lives and livelihoods in vulnerable communities must be treated as a national priority.
“Nigerians don’t need to keep dying because of lack of seriousness by relevant agencies. Let Nigeria surprise its citizens in 2025 by being truly prepared for the hazards of climate change and flooding,” he said.
NEMA Issues Fresh Evacuation Warning
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued an urgent evacuation advisory to residents of flood-prone areas along the River Niger in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states.
The agency’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said alerts from the Republic of Benin indicate rising water levels in the upstream of the River Niger. She disclosed that NEMA has already activated its flood preparedness and response protocols.
“Residents in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, which share borders with Benin Republic, are particularly at risk and are advised to take necessary precautions,” the statement read.
Mrs. Umar directed NEMA’s regional and zonal offices along the River Niger corridor to intensify awareness campaigns and mobilise at-risk communities.
She also appealed to state governments to support their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to implement contingency plans.
“It’s critical that we coordinate our efforts and respond swiftly to protect lives and livelihoods. The agency is working to mitigate the potential impact of this year’s flooding and protect communities at risk,” she added.
Historic Floods a Painful Reminder
Nigeria has suffered devastating floods in recent years, particularly in 2012 and 2022, when the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, coupled with torrential rainfall, submerged farmlands, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced millions across Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, and other states.
Experts warn that unless Nigeria aligns with international best practices in dam safety and climate adaptation, floods will continue to worsen under changing weather patterns.
With weather forecasts predicting heavier-than-usual rainfall this year, concerns are growing over possible dam releases and their impact on already vulnerable populations.