CAIRO — In anticipation of the annual flood season, Nigeria is taking proactive measures to manage the water levels of the River Niger, one of the country's principal waterways, to mitigate potential flooding risks.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Umar Mohammed, head of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), reported that the water levels in the River Niger Basin have been receding since early October. Coordination between the Jebba and Kainji Dam operators is ongoing, with the Jebba Dam currently spilling excess water to maintain safety margins. “The Kainji Dam has maintained a 53-centimeter buffer to manage any changes in water inflow,” Mohammed elaborated, emphasizing the critical nature of these measures to enhance flood preparedness.

Despite the southward shift of the rainy season, water continues to flow into Nigeria, requiring vigilant monitoring and coordination with both national and international dam authorities. This effort is part of a broader strategy to prevent the devastating impacts of flooding, which in the past have led to significant loss of life and damage to property.

In late September, NIHSA had warned of rising water levels due to prolonged rainfall, with both the Niger and Benue rivers, along with their tributaries, reaching critical levels. This has heightened concerns about severe flooding, particularly in communities along the riverbanks. The agency has identified 148 local government areas across 31 states at high risk for flooding.

The impact of these floods is profound, with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reporting over 1.08 million people affected by last year's floods. The devastation included at least 285 fatalities, displacement of over 641,598 individuals, and injuries to 2,504 people, alongside widespread damage to homes, farmlands, and critical infrastructure.