The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has debunked reports of water release from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, assuring Nigerians that no discharge has taken place.
The Minister of Water Resources, Professor Joseph Utsev, confirmed the dam’s current water level is at 2.06 meters, and the ministry is in constant contact with Cameroonian authorities.
Prof. Utsev disclosed this in a statement made availabletobthe media, following his communication with the Lagdo Dam Manager, Ahmad Bivoung.
Utsev further said the dam was currently at a low level of 2.06 metres and that no discharge had taken place.
He said the ministry was in constant contact with Cameroonian authorities and would promptly inform Nigerians of any official release.
“The public is advised to disregard false reports and remain calm, while continuing to observe flood preparedness and safety measures earlier issued, “the statement read.
He urged communities receiving early warning alerts, especially those in Lokoja (Kogi), Wurobokki (Adamawa) and Makurdi (Benue), to remain vigilant and consult the NIHSA Flood Dashboard for reliable updates.
The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to flood management and water infrastructure development along the Benue Trough.
He said this included proactive reservoir operations of existing dams on Benue tributaries to prevent panic releases.
He added that the Kashimbila Dam in Taraba was being used for flood control, while work on the upgrade of the Wannune Dam and the design of the Dura Dam in Benue had reached advanced stages.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Utsev had earlier announced plans to construct the Datsin Hausa Dam in Adamawa to serve as a buffer against flooding from water releases by Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
He made this known at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, stating that the government was undertaking the study and design of the dam as part of broader efforts to safeguard Nigerians from recurring flood threats.
According to him, the ministry has engaged the expertise of a transaction adviser for its construction under a Public-Private Partnership agreement.
