- Cameroon controlled water release from the Lagdo Dam after heavy rains and monitored it to prevent overflow into Nigeria’s Benue River.
- Nigerian states fear potential flooding, but NIHSA confirmed water levels remain below danger thresholds and attributed recent floods to seasonal rains, not the dam.
- Cameroon and Nigeria coordinate closely on water management to reduce flood risks and optimise water use for agriculture and power generation.
Nigeria raised concerns over Cameroon’s controlled water release from the Lagdo Dam, though hydrological authorities from both countries downplayed the risk of significant flooding.
The dam, crucial for power generation, released water after heavy rainfall in Cameroon and Nigeria. Officials monitor the controlled discharge to prevent overflow into the Benue River, which flows through both countries. The release manages reservoir levels and prevents the dam from overloading.
Cameroon asserts that the water release remains under control, with volumes kept within safe limits to minimise downstream flooding risks in Nigeria. Despite this, some Nigerian states expressed concerns about potential flooding, particularly in areas around the Benue River basin.
The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) responded by calming fears. NIHSA stated that Benue River water levels remain below danger thresholds, keeping the situation stable. However, NIHSA stressed the importance of staying vigilant as heavy rains persist.
NIHSA also clarified that recent flooding in Nigeria stems from seasonal rains, not from the Lagdo Dam. The agency confirmed that the dam’s controlled release had not worsened the ongoing floods.
The Benue River, which begins in Cameroon and flows into Nigeria, is a shared resource. For years, both governments prioritised cross-border cooperation to manage these waters. Cameroon and Nigeria actively coordinate water management and exchange hydrological data to limit flood risks while ensuring water supplies for agriculture, domestic needs, and power generation.
Heavy rainfall this year caused significant damage across Central and West Africa, leading to widespread flooding. While the Lagdo Dam’s water release plays a role in the current water management, authorities emphasise that seasonal rains remain the leading cause of flooding in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
In Cameroon, torrential rains put pressure on dams, prompting controlled releases to prevent reservoir overloading. The Lagdo Dam follows strict protocols and coordinates closely with Nigerian authorities to manage these releases.
Water management in Central and West Africa faces complex challenges, balancing the needs of power generation, irrigation, and flood prevention. The Lagdo Dam is vital to Cameroon’s electricity supply and affects downstream areas, especially Nigeria.
As extreme weather strains infrastructure, coordination between Cameroon and Nigeria becomes crucial. Effective collaboration helps protect populations and ensures the proper use of shared water resources.
With seasonal rains ongoing, the risk of flooding persists. However, both countries’ active dialogue and coordinated actions remain vital in managing the situation and mitigating potential impacts.