Dam releases from neighbouring countries pose flood risk to Nigeria, FENRAD warns

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has issued a warning concerning potential severe flooding crisis in Nigeria’s coastal and low-lying states due to the recent release of water from major dams by neighbouring African countries.

Flowing Dam

The situation it says is exacerbated by the increasing impacts of climate change, which demands immediate coordinated action from governments and local communities.

FENRAD notes that Nigeria has experienced devastating floods in recent years, resulting from dam discharges, poor drainage infrastructure, and extreme weather patterns driven by climate change. These floods have had a significant impact on communities, displacing thousands, destroying farmlands, and disrupting livelihoods.

Past flood victims in Nigeria

It stated that in the past, such states as Kogi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and parts of the southeast and Southwest regions had bitter experiences.

In light of this, FENRAD is calling on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Agencies, and relevant government institutions to take urgent action. This includes activating early warning systems, intensifying public sensitization, and implementing disaster preparedness plans.

FENRAD’s Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, emphasizes that climate change is a real and pressing issue, with its impacts no longer distant threats but crises unfolding before our eyes.

He said, “Communities at risk must be engaged and supported with evacuation plans and flood mitigation strategies.”

Furthermore, FENRAD is urging regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries to ensure coordinated dam management practices that minimize downstream impacts.

The organization is also calling on the Federal and State governments to prioritize long-term climate adaptation measures, including the completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam, improvement of Nigeria’s drainage infrastructure, and the mainstreaming of climate resilience into development planning.

Flooded community at the last flooding in Nigeria

The environmental rights, advocacy group is passionately urging the government and stakeholders to take immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian communities as a stitch in time they say saves nine.