The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling Nigeria’s flooding issues by constructing additional dams across the country. Ali Dallah, the Director of Dams and Reservoir Operations at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, announced this decision during an evaluation visit of the Mangu Dam in Gindiri, located in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. Leading a technical sub-committee on dam evaluation, Dallah detailed how the recurring and damaging floods in the region are linked to the inadequacy of operational dams necessary for managing water flow and preventing overflow.
Dallah stated that there are presently only 408 registered dams nationwide, significantly fewer than the extensive systems found in many other countries. For example, the United States operates 92,000 dams, and China has 98,000. He pointed out that this notable shortfall increases the risk of flooding in the country, particularly during the rainy season when rivers and streams exceed their capacity. He observed that the authorities had pinpointed appropriate sites for building new dams, supported by research validating the viability of these locations.
Mangu Dam project is scheduled for completion by March 2025.
Currently under development, the Mangu Dam is considered part of the federal government’s strategy to improve water management infrastructure. Dallah expressed satisfaction with the ongoing work at the Mangu Dam, commending the quality of the project and revealing that it is on track to be completed by March 2025. In his position, Dallah and his team evaluate reservoirs nationwide to determine their status and confirm their ability to withstand increasing water levels. He pointed out that several of these ageing structures might need maintenance to prevent possible failures, which could lead to devastating damage for nearby communities.
While visiting, Dallah described how the recent floods in Maiduguri led to the committee’s establishment, underscoring the critical necessity for a thorough assessment of the region’s dam infrastructure. The government’s priority is pinpointing locations requiring new reservoirs and ensuring that current facilities are quickly restored. Uka Kanno, the consultant for the Mangu Dam project, provided an update on its development. With an impressive 18 million cubic meters capacity, the dam is anticipated to serve the local communities positively. Kanno disclosed that the water treatment plant at the facility is fully operational and delivers clean water to nearby residents.
Financial support and rising building costs hinder the project’s progress.
Furthermore, the Irrigation system linked to the dam is projected to be completed by March 2025. This initiative will enhance regional farming and play a vital role in securing food availability by providing a dependable water source for cultivation. Kanno pointed out that the initiative has encountered difficulties, especially concerning financial support and increasing prices of Construction supplies, both of which have led to setbacks. Nevertheless, he stays hopeful that the initiative will finish as planned. On a national level, the federal government’s plan to construct more reservoirs is expected to have wide-ranging benefits beyond overflow prevention.
New dams will help improve water storage and distribution nationwide, ensuring communities can access clean water even during the dry season. They will also play a critical role in supporting Agriculture by providing water for irrigation helping combat food insecurity. In addition, more operational dams will help reduce the impacts of seasonal floods, lowering both the economic costs and human consequences of these calamities. These initiatives are critical as the country faces the pressures of rising population and climate change, which have strained its water supply.
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In related developments, the national government has unveiled plans to begin building a versatile dam along the River Dura in Buruku Local Government Area, located in Benue State. This initiative aims to manage the substantial water discharge from the region, enhancing the nation’s flood control measures within its overall water management strategy. By implementing these programs, Nigeria is making important strides in enhancing its Infrastructure for better water resource management and tackling the increasing risk of flooding. Effectively executing these schemes will protect communities and strengthen the nation’s agricultural output, ultimately contributing to economic growth.