Nigeria Government Predicts Floods In Frontline States As Cameroon Opens Lagdo Dam

The Federal Government warned on Monday that all the frontline states may experience flooding in the next seven days as the Lagdo Dam had been opened in Cameroon, which bordered Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu set up a Presidential Committee in Abuja, where the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Betta Edu spoke about implementing various policies and rescue missions ahead of potential flooding caused by the Lagdo Dam's opening, Punch reported

Cameroon government opened the dam on Aug. 22 to reduce water levels caused by the continuous rain in the country.

Edu urged all the Nigeria Governors' Forum to find a solution to the flooding issue, and set up an immediate evacuation of Nigerians from flood-prone areas to a safer destination.

"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," she said during the meeting, Punch reported.

She went on to explain that the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon was opened recently and in the coming days, the effect of it will be seen, especially in Nigeria.

"Flood has been a major issue in Nigeria and has been causing loss of lives and property," she said. "We have been given a task by Mr. President to ensure proper preparedness against the effect of the opening of the Lagdo Dam."

Edu urged all the state governments to start cleaning the drainages and remove all blockages. Furthermore, she said proper enlightenment and sensitization of residents must be carried out.

"Residents in affected areas must begin to relocate to safer planes. States must stand up to involuntary relocations. It is inconceivable to witness avoidable loss of lives and property."

The briefing was attended by Environment Minister Iziaq Salako and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Utsev.

Flooding is a major issue that causes extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, agricultural lands, and communities across the country. Heavy rainfall is the most prominent reason for floods, which is exacerbated by Nigeria's poor drainage system. Moreover, poor waste management also leads to the drainage system's blockage, allowing water to accumulate.