FG announces reduced flood risk in Southern Nigeria

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Federal Government has announced a significant reduction in flood risk for Southern Nigeria, following updated assessments from relevant agencies.

This is according to a press release issued by Dr. Felix Ale, the Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on Saturday.

According to the statement, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the ministry provided clarity on the situation after initial concerns regarding potential flooding.

The Minister highlighted the importance of this update, stating that it follows “recent developments and data received from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the United Nations Platform for Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER).”

He added that initial projections had indicated a serious risk of flooding due to the overflow of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which affected over 18,000 hectares of land by mid-September. This raised alarms for states such as Kogi, Edo, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa.

However, the ministry has now revised its earlier warning.

“Through a combination of ongoing mitigative measures by the relevant authorities in Nigeria and improved water management strategies implemented at the Lagdo Dam, the risk has significantly subsided,” Nnaji stated.

While the immediate flood threat has been averted, Nnaji urged continued vigilance among residents in historically flood-prone areas.

“It is essential for all residents and communities to maintain vigilance, particularly as weather patterns remain unpredictable,” he cautioned.

State governments are encouraged to monitor local water levels closely and prepare for rapid response measures if needed.

The ministry has committed to ongoing collaboration with NIHSA and NASRDA for real-time monitoring and regular updates on the situation.

For further information, residents are advised to contact the Ministry’s Public Relations Office.

This proactive approach underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding communities from natural disasters, while also emphasising the importance of preparedness in the face of changing weather patterns.