The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent flood warning to communities along the River Benue and River Niger, following significant rises in water levels due to continuous rainfall.
The agency is saddled with the responsibility of maintaining hydrological stations nationwide including carrying groundwater exploration as well as assessing Nigeria’s surface and groundwater resources in terms of quantity, quality, distribution and availability in time and space.
In a statement on Thursday, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, urged residents near the riverbanks to evacuate, as water levels in the River Benue have reached critical points.
He noted that water gauge data from key stations such as Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi show consistently high levels, exceeding 9 meters between October 9 and October 15.
“The map shows critical flood-prone zones across Nigeria, particularly around stations along the River Benue and River Niger.
“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds,” Mohammed stated.
The agency also warned that the management of the Kainji and Jebba Dams is closely monitoring and controlling water releases to prevent downstream flooding along the Niger.
Mohammed called for full cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised citizens to move to safer areas to avoid the worsening effects of the floods as rainfall continues.
He emphasised the need for collective efforts to build resilience against flooding, which had become an annual challenge for many communities in Nigeria.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, had first sounded the warning last month, warning of potential flooding on the Niger and Benue rivers.
The minister, speaking regarding the flooding situation in Maiduguri, Borno State, called for vigilance in all aspects and proactive measures to address any future flooding events in the southern part of the country.