The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued an urgent warning to the public on Friday about the rising water levels in the River Niger system.
NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed stated in a press release that floodwaters from neighboring countries are gradually moving towards Nigeria, beginning with Kebbi.
According to NIHSA, this situation is caused by upstream activities in Niger and Mali, as reported by the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) in Niamey, Niger Republic.
“NIHSA has assured that operators of the Kainji and Jebba dams, located on the River Niger, have been notified and are prepared for the situation. As of August 22, the agency confirmed that these dams are not currently releasing water from their reservoirs,” said the NIHSA chief.
He added that the risk of flooding is expected to peak at the end of August and into September, urging states and communities along the River Niger system to remain vigilant.