The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an alert to communities situated along the Rivers Niger and Kaduna in Niger State, urging them to prepare for potential flooding in the coming weeks.
The warning was delivered by Engr. John Gbadegesin, the Deputy Director of Engineering Hydrology at NIHSA, during the Annual Stakeholders Flood Sensitization and Awareness event hosted by North-South Power Company Limited at the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station in Minna, Niger State.
“According to our forecast, communities along the banks of the Niger and Kaduna rivers in Niger State are likely to experience flooding this year,” Gbadegesin stated. He emphasized that while the exact severity of the flooding is still unknown, NIHSA will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves and will issue warnings whenever imminent flooding is detected.
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Residents are already expressing concern over the recurring floods. Alhaji Shehu Abdullahi, a farmer from Kuchi in Munya Local Government Area (LGA), highlighted the devastating impact floods have had on his community this year, destroying vast hectares of crops such as maize, groundnut, rice, and yam, valued at millions of naira. Despite government agencies assessing the damages, the community has not received any relief support.
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Farmers from Shiroro LGA have also voiced their frustrations, citing a continuous struggle with flood disasters, which they say have intensified since the construction of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Dam. They are calling on the federal government to intervene and help mitigate the impact on their communities.
Engr. Olubunmi Peters, the Executive Vice-chairman and CEO of North-South Power Company Limited, also addressed the issue during the event, reinforcing the need for coordinated efforts to manage the flood risks.