…………….Dismisses Mokwa Flood Link to Dam Releases.
The Federal Government has once again called on State Governments, Local Government Authorities, communities, stakeholders, government agencies, civil society groups, and private sector actors to urgently implement flood preparedness measures and embark on infrastructure improvements to mitigate flood-related challenges across the country.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made this call during a press briefing held today, June 3, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Prof. Utsev emphasized that climate-induced weather events are increasing in frequency and severity, posing serious flood risks across Nigeria. He firmly dismissed claims linking the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, to water releases from Kainji or Jebba Dams, or to any structural issues with the dams in the region.
He expressed deep concern over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Niger State, especially communities in Mokwa Local Government Area, where several lives and properties were tragically lost.
Addressing public speculation, the Minister clarified that neither Kainji nor Jebba Dam is responsible for the Mokwa flooding. “Both dams remain structurally intact and are operating safely”, he stated.
Prof. Utsev explained that the flood in Mokwa town was primarily triggered by heavy rainfall associated with climate change, which overwhelmed local drainage systems. He further noted that unregulated construction activities had blocked an ephemeral tributary of the River Dingi, a seasonal, rainfall-dependent tributary of the River Niger. The absence of efficient alternative drainage pathways significantly worsened the flood’s impact on surrounding communities.
He stated that this flood event had already been accurately forecasted in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), released on April 10, 2025, by the Ministry in collaboration with its Agency, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). The report had clearly identified Mokwa LGA as one of 19 high-risk flood zones in Niger State, warning of potential flooding in 1,249 communities across 176 LGAs nationwide.
According to the AFO, 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory are categorized as high-risk, while others fall under moderate-risk categories. Among the most vulnerable states are Lagos, Bayelsa, Anambra, Delta, Kogi, Rivers, and Niger among others.
The Minister reassured the public that technical teams from NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) are currently in Mokwa conducting detailed assessments to uncover the underlying causes of the flooding and recommend long-term mitigation strategies.
Speaking further, he urged the people of Niger State and all Nigerians to view this moment as a renewed call for unity, resilience, and proactive governance in the face of climate change.
“We remain committed to sustainable and climate-resilient water resource management for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he affirmed.
He also encouraged Nigerians to stay informed and monitor real-time flood updates via the NIHSA Flood Forecast Dashboard at: https://nihsa.gov.ng/flood-forecast-dashboard.
Mr. Arinze Anika, a Surveyor and Geoinformatics expert, representing the Director General of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim, delivered a geospatial presentation highlighting the root causes of the Mokwa flooding.
Present at the briefing were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah; Directors of the Ministry; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Aliyu Tajudeen Abdullahi and other Water Resources Stakeholders.
Signed
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan
Director Information and PR
03/06/2025
