The Federal Government on Friday alerted Nigerians on the rising water levels of the River Niger.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Mohammed, issued the alert in a statement in Abuja.
He noted that floodwaters from Niger, Mali, and other countries near the river are gradually moving towards Nigeria, starting with Kebbi State.
Mohammed added that the development was due to upstream activities in Niger and Mali.
The River Niger passes through nine states in Nigeria.
The states are – Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
READ ALSO: Flood kills 16, destroys over 3,000 houses in Jigawa
The statement read: “NIHSA has assured that dam operators at Kainji and Jebba, situated on the River Niger have been informed and are on standby.
“As of August 22, the agency confirmed that these dams are not currently spilling water from their reservoirs.”
The NIHSA DG said the risk of flooding is expected to peak by the end of August and urged states and communities along the River Niger system to remain vigilant.
He said the agency would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates to the public.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) in a recent report said Nigeria witnessed the most devastating episode of seasonal floods in 2012 with over 600 people killed and 1.3 million displaced from their homes.
It added that more than 200,000 houses and 266,000 acres of farmland were completely or partially damaged.
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