The Nigerian Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is conducting a thorough assessment of the Alau Dam in Borno State to ensure its safety following a recent flood. The event, which is celebrated on World Rivers Day, aims to highlight the importance of rivers and promote active participation in protecting them. The National Council on Water Resources approved Monday as the day to mark the event, as Sunday is a work-free day in Nigeria.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is taking a low-key approach to the event, acknowledging the significant role of rivers in the water cycle, rain formation, economic survival, and habitat for aquatic plants and animals. The ministry is standing in solidarity with the government and people of Borno State, stating that it is undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the Alau Dam to ensure its integrity and implement stringent measures to prevent future floods.
Additionally, according to the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, by September 17, 2024, the management of Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam would start regulated water flows at a rate of 100 cubic meters per second, which will progressively increase to 1,000 cubic meters per second over the course of seven days. The goal of this action is to stop significant flooding in Nigeria’s downstream areas, especially along the Benue River. As a result, I’ve given NIHSA the order to continue monitoring the river levels in Maiduguri and other riverine regions of the country.
The Nigerian Minister of Water Resources has urged state governments along the River Benue to implement flood preparedness measures, including flood sensitization, risk mitigation, and relocation of flood-prone residents. The 12 river-based development authorities have been directed to monitor dams and report any potential threats. The minister also urged against polluting rivers and avoiding harmful practices. The acting Executive Director of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, Mrs. Sakinatu Jimeta, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting and preserving riverine ecosystems, stating that they will enhance existing water quality standards and enforce regulations for sustainable surface water abstraction.
Moreover, I would like to ask for the unwavering support of all parties involved as we step up our monitoring and enforcement efforts. We will be monitoring water quality on a regular basis, conducting inspections and enforcement actions to ensure that pollution regulations are followed, and setting up surveillance systems to detect possible pollutants in our rivers early on.
According to Umar Mohammed, the Director General of NIHSA, rivers are essential to the existence of many different species.
Mohammed, accompanied by Stephen Jabo, a Director at the organization, stated that rivers offer difficulties, especially during floods that can seriously injure communities that are already at risk.
He declared, “It is equally important to raise awareness about the need for effective flood management as we celebrate the importance of our rivers.” Particularly in flood-prone locations, proactive steps to mitigate flood risks are necessary to protect lives and property. To assist in these endeavors, NIHSA is still dedicated to offering trustworthy hydrological data and information.
“To sum up, I urge everyone to take an active role in preserving our rivers. Little things like lining riverbanks with plants, cutting back on pollutants, and protecting hydrological monitoring equipment can have a big impact. We can preserve our rivers for the benefit of coming generations if we work together.
