The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has debunked media reports claiming that Cameroon has released water from the Lagdo Dam.
In an official statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, on Monday, 7th July 2025, the Ministry clarified that no such release has taken place. The Minister, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, also confirmed this after personally contacting the dam manager, who reported that the current water level stands at a low 2.06 meters.
The Ministry assured Nigerians that it remains in constant communication with Cameroonian authorities and that any official release from the dam would be immediately communicated to the public.
Communities in flood-prone areas are advised to remain vigilant and rely solely on credible information sources, particularly the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Flood Dashboard. The Ministry emphasized the need to disregard false reports and maintain flood preparedness protocols already issued.
Minister Utsev specifically urged residents in Lokoja (Kogi State), Wurobokki (Adamawa State), and Makurdi (Benue State) to heed early warning signals and stay updated via NIHSA’s reliable forecasting tools.
The statement also highlighted the Federal Government’s broader commitment to flood management and water infrastructure development along the Benue Trough. This includes proactive management of existing dams on River Benue tributaries, completion of the study and design for the Datsin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State, and the appointment of a Transaction Adviser to facilitate its construction through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
