FG clears dams in Mokwa flood, calls for urgent flood preparedness

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has called on state governments, local councils, communities, and private sector actors to intensify efforts toward flood preparedness and infrastructure development, warning that the country faces growing threats from climate-induced flooding.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated flood mitigation efforts across all levels of government and society. He cited worsening weather patterns caused by climate change as a key driver of recent flood incidents nationwide.

Responding to public concerns, Prof. Utsev dismissed claims that the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, was caused by water releases from the Kainji or Jebba dams, assuring the public that both dams remain structurally sound and safely operational.

“The Mokwa flooding was not triggered by dam operations,” he clarified. “Rather, it resulted from heavy rainfall overwhelming local drainage systems, compounded by unregulated construction activities that blocked a seasonal tributary of the River Dingi.”

The minister expressed condolences to the people of Mokwa LGA and the Niger State government, acknowledging the tragic loss of lives and property. He also noted that the incident was among several predicted in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), published in April by the Ministry and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

According to the AFO report, 33 states and the FCT are designated as high flood-risk areas, with 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs nationwide flagged for potential flooding. Niger State, including Mokwa, was listed among the 19 high-risk LGAs.

Technical teams from NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) are currently on-site in Mokwa conducting assessments to determine long-term flood control measures.

“This is a moment for unity and proactive governance,” Utsev said, urging citizens to monitor flood risks using the NIHSA Flood Forecast Dashboard at https://nihsa.gov.ng/flood-forecast-dashboard.