The Federal Government has dismissed social media reports claiming that Cameroonian authorities have released water from the Lagdo Dam, urging Nigerians to disregard the misinformation.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah, clarified that the water level at the dam currently stands at a low 2.06 meters, and no release has occurred.
According to the ministry, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, held direct communication with the Lagdo Dam Manager, Mr. Ahmad Bivoung, who confirmed that there has been no water discharge.
Pheelangwah noted that the ministry remains in constant communication with the Cameroonian authorities and assured the public that any official release from the dam would be immediately and transparently communicated.
“The general public is advised to remain calm and disregard the false reports. The Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and will issue official updates if and when necessary,” the statement read.
Prof. Utsev also urged residents in flood-prone areas—particularly Lokoja in Kogi State, Wurobokki in Adamawa State, and Makurdi in Benue State—to stay alert and adhere to early warning advisories. He encouraged communities to consult the NIHSA Flood Dashboard for accurate and up-to-date information on flood threats and safety guidance.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to proactive flood management and the development of water infrastructure along the Benue Trough.
Ongoing efforts, he said, include the coordinated operations of reservoirs along River Benue tributaries to prevent emergency discharges, the completion of the study and design of the Datsin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State, and the appointment of a Transaction Adviser to facilitate its construction through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
In addition, the Kashimbila Dam in Taraba State is actively serving flood control purposes, while upgrades to the Wannune Dam and the ongoing study and design of the Dura Dam in Benue State are progressing steadily.
The Ministry assured Nigerians that it remains committed to strengthening the country’s flood resilience and mitigating the impact of future water-related disasters.
