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More dams needed to control flood in Nigeria

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By Usman Oladimeji

Inadequate dam infrastructure has resulted in several flood events.

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has pointed out that lack of adequate dams is one of the major flooding risk issue in the country. This was stated by Ali Dala, the Director of Dams and Reservoirs Operations, when the Technical Subcommittee of the Inter Ministerial Technical Committee on the appraisal of dams in Nigeria recently visited the Oyan Dam in Abeokuta. Dala stated that in order to address the issue of flooding throughout the nation, more dams must be built, old ones must be desilted, and rivers must be cleared of sediments and other obstructions.

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Several floods have occurred in Nigeria in recent years as a result of inadequate dam infrastructure, especially in places where local streams overflow uncontrollably. These floods impact thousands of families annually, demolish property valued at billions of naira, and destroy crops, particularly during the rainy season from April to October. For example, a flood catastrophe that affected multiple states along the Niger and Benue rivers in 2022 alone caused hundreds of deaths and widespread displacement. These occurrences are frequently made worse when dams pump surplus water into rivers that are already bloated as was the case with the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which releases water that flows downstream into Nigerian territory.

Current number of dams in the country is inadequate.

Water discharges from existing Nigerian dams and a lack of significant Infrastructure to prevent overflow have made the nearly yearly flooding that occurs in Kogi and Benue states during the rainy season worse. The country has been unable to mitigate the effects of such releases due to a lack of suitable dams. There are currently just over 400 dams in Nigeria, most of which are too small to adequately control large water flows. While some of these dams are used for hydroelectric generation, others are used for flood control, irrigation, or water supply.

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This figure is inadequate considering the numerous water management requirements in different areas. In contrast, nations like South Africa and Egypt, which likewise have seasonal rainfall patterns, have hundreds more dams built to control water levels and stop overflow. Nigeria is exposed to severe seasonal rainfall and water discharge from neighboring nations due to the current dam infrastructure’s inability to provide such defenses. Experts have frequently identified deficiencies in the water management infrastructure and emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive plan for dam extension in order to effectively address flood risk.

Many of the existing dams are old and dilapidated.

One major loophole in Nigeria’s water management system is the old or dilapidated state of the current dams. Many of Nigeria’s dams are compromised as they were constructed decades ago and have not received proper maintenance. Furthermore, some current dams are unable to store significant amounts of water, which renders them inadequate in areas that are vulnerable to flooding and in dire need of strong infrastructure. With this, even mild rainfall can cause rivers to overflow and flash floods, making life more difficult for locals. Advocacy for new dams have been louder nationwide as local governments and communities pressure the federal government to give water infrastructure projects top priority.

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During the recent National Water Conference, officials from the Ministry of Water Resources emphasized the vital role of dams in stabilizing water resources and reducing the risk of flooding in Nigeria. Community leaders from the Benue River Basin area—one of the areas most affected by yearly floods—have also called for improved water infrastructure in order to safeguard their villages against future catastrophe. Experts contend that building more dams is not only essential for flood management but would also benefit Agriculture by supplying a dependable Irrigation system, which would help local economies.

Related Article: Nigeria to develop dams for flood prevention

Whether Nigeria can successfully address its flooding crisis will depend on how the government responds to these requests. With the support of a comprehensive dam Construction and maintenance program, the country can manage flood risks and use water resources for agriculture, Electricity production, and drinking water supply. Enhancing water infrastructure is not only essential, but also a wise Investment for Nigeria’s long-term stability and prosperity in a nation where population increase and Climate Change are making resource demands more intense.

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