Cameroon has raised concerns over potential flood risks in Nigeria and alerted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) regarding its intention to open the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River. The communication was conveyed through a letter from Umar Salisu, the Ministry’s Director of African Affairs in Cameroon.
Attributing their decision to the mounting rainfall in Cameroon, the authorities there aim to manage water levels by gradually releasing a controlled amount of water through the dam’s floodgates. In the advisory, NEMA was urged to swiftly take preventive actions and sensitize residents in the impacted regions to minimize any potential damage.
The letter stated, “When the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria.”
The Nigerian Ministry further reassured residents in the affected areas to remain composed and adhere to the guidance provided by local authorities. The cooperative communication between Cameroon and Nigeria underscores the critical importance of regional collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
