By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Government has confirmed that no water has been released from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, dismissing widespread reports suggesting otherwise.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Honourable Minister, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, assured Nigerians that there is currently no threat of flooding due to any dam discharge.
The Minister made this known following direct communication with Mr. Ahmad Bivoung, the Manager of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, who confirmed on July 7, 2025, that the dam remains at a low level of 2.06 meters and has not been opened.
The Ministry stressed that it is in regular contact with Cameroonian authorities and assured the public that any official release of water from the Lagdo Dam would be communicated promptly and transparently.
Prof. Utsev called on the public to disregard misleading reports making the rounds on social and traditional media, urging Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant.
He reiterated the importance of adhering to previously issued flood safety advisories, especially in areas prone to seasonal flooding.
Communities in flood-prone locations such as Lokoja in Kogi State, Wurobokki in Adamawa State, and Makurdi in Benue State were particularly advised to maintain local early warning signals and continue consulting the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Flood Dashboard for accurate and updated information on flood risks.
To further mitigate flood-related disasters, the Federal Government has outlined its ongoing efforts in water infrastructure and flood management within the Benue Trough.
Among the measures highlighted are the proactive operations of existing reservoirs along River Benue’s tributaries aimed at preventing emergency or panic releases.
The government has also completed the study and design for the proposed Datsin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State.
A Transaction Adviser has already been engaged to guide its development under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Additionally, the Kashimbila Dam in Taraba State continues to play a vital role in regional flood control, while upgrade efforts for the Wannune Dam and the advanced study of the Dura Dam in Benue State further demonstrate the government’s long-term commitment to water resource management and flood resilience.
This clarification comes at a critical time when fear and misinformation about the Lagdo Dam’s status could spark unnecessary panic in downstream communities.
The ministry’s proactive communication, backed by coordination with Cameroonian authorities and flood mitigation initiatives, is intended to reassure the public of the government’s preparedness and vigilance.
