The Unseen Cause of Nigeria’s Floods
Did you know that a large part of Nigeria’s yearly flooding issues isn’t just about the rain? It actually has to do with Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam. When they release water, it flows straight into our rivers, causing floods. Here’s how it all started.
The Agreement that Started it All
Back in the 1970s, Nigeria and Cameroon had a grand plan. They both agreed to build two dams that would work together to generate power, support agriculture, and prevent flooding. Cameroon would build the Lagdo Dam, while Nigeria would construct the Dasin Hausa Dam. It was a win-win situation for both countries.
But only one part of that agreement came to life. Cameroon completed the Lagdo Dam in 1982. As water flows from it downstream into Nigeria, the Dasin Hausa Dam was supposed to step in and hold back any excess water, acting as a protective barrier against flooding. That was the plan… but Nigeria never finished its dam.
An Unfinished Promise
The Dasin Hausa Dam project started on the right foot but hit a major roadblock in 1983. A military coup halted the construction, and the project was abandoned. This incomplete dam means that whenever Cameroon releases water from Lagdo, there’s no buffer to catch the overflow.
And so, every rainy season, Nigerian communities along the River Benue pay the price for a promise that was never kept. Floods ravage homes, farmland, and entire livelihoods, all because Nigeria didn’t follow through on its part of the deal. It’s a tragedy that could have been prevented if the Dasin Hausa Dam had been completed.
The Devastating 2012 Floods- The Pain, The Torture, The Loss
In 2012, the floodwaters came like never before. That year, Cameroon released an enormous amount of water from the Lagdo Dam due to heavy rains. The excess water surged downstream into Nigeria, and the result was catastrophic. Entire communities were submerged, over 360 people lost their lives, and nearly 2 million Nigerians were displaced from their homes.
People watched in despair as their fields, homes, and towns vanished under water. The flood didn’t just destroy property; it disrupted lives, shattered families, and left a lasting scar on Nigeria’s history. It was a grim reminder of how vulnerable the country is when water flows uncontrolled from the Lagdo Dam—an event that could have been mitigated if the Dasin Hausa Dam had been completed as originally planned.
How Often Does This Happen?
Almost every year during the rainy season, Cameroon releases water from the Lagdo Dam, which directly affects Nigeria. States like Benue, Kogi, Adamawa, and others bear the brunt of the flooding. About 13 states across the country are affected, leading to the loss of homes, farmland, and lives.
Nigeria and Cameroon’s Agreement
After the 2012 floods, Nigeria and Cameroon signed an agreement to work together on this issue. Now, Cameroon is supposed to notify Nigeria before releasing water from the dam. This gives Nigerian authorities time to warn residents and prepare, but it’s still not a perfect solution—especially without the Dasin Hausa Dam in place.
Why Nigeria’s Flooding Problem Persists
It’s not just Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam causing floods in Nigeria. Our own infrastructure issues play a huge role too:
- Blocked drainage systems in cities, leaving no path for water to flow.
- Poor urban planning that allows settlements too close to rivers.
- Deforestation, which weakens the land’s ability to absorb rainwater.
And then there’s the Alau Dam near Maiduguri, which hasn’t been maintained properly despite funds being allocated. Its neglect led to severe flooding in Maiduguri, making a bad situation worse.
So, while the Lagdo Dam release is a major factor, Nigeria’s own infrastructure failures also keep the flooding problem alive
What Needs to Be Done?
To truly tackle the flooding problem, Nigeria needs to:
1. Complete the Dasin Hausa Dam to regulate water flow.
2. Improve urban drainage systems and manage flood-prone areas better.
3. Reassess building practices near rivers and ensure that communities are prepared for flood events.
The government is aware of these issues, but until concrete actions are taken, flooding will remain a recurring problem.
Moving Forward
Nigeria has the tools to minimize flooding, but it requires a follow-through mentality. While we wait for lasting solutions, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared, especially during the rainy season.
This is not just a weather issue—it’s a matter of intentionally managing water effectively, at home and across the border.
Flooding affects us all. Stay informed, raise your voice, and demand better solutions from our leaders.
Be Involved – Together, we can push for change and protect our communities from future floods.
