The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has issued a warning about the possibility of river flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers, highlighting the significant flow of water moving through these rivers toward the Niger Delta. He stressed the need for increased vigilance and proactive efforts to mitigate the risks of flooding in the southern parts of Nigeria.
Utsev made this statement during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, where he addressed the recent flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State. He explained that the flood in the Maiduguri and Jere areas was primarily caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, which is situated approximately 10 kilometers from Maiduguri’s city center. The dam’s overflow was triggered by a substantial inflow of water from the Ngadda River, a key tributary of the River Yedzaram.
Drawing attention to the findings of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook published by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the minister pointed out the flood risk predictions for various regions. The report identified areas with high, moderate, and low flood risks, listing states like Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, Yobe, Benue, and Gombe among the 31 states classified as high-risk flood zones.
Utsev emphasized the importance of preparedness in these vulnerable regions, urging both local and national authorities to take preventive measures to minimize the impact of any future flooding.
