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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government has dismissed reports that Cameroon has commenced water release from the Lagdo Dam, describing the claim as false and misleading.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), in a statement signed by its Director-General/CEO, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, yesterday, urged Nigerians to disregard the reports circulating on social and electronic media.
“The information is completely incorrect,” NIHSA said, stressing that the Lagdo Dam Authority was “not releasing water from its reservoir at this time, but only impounding water into it.”
The agency said data available to it showed that the Lagdo Reservoir stood at 209.82 metres, against its maximum operating level of 216 metres, leaving 6.18 metres for additional impoundment.
Giving updates on Nigeria’s major inland dams, NIHSA said Kainji Dam stood at 130.38 metres, against a maximum operating level of 141.83 metres, while Jebba Dam was at 100.03 metres.
It said both dams remained within normal operating levels despite recording lower-than-average inflows.
NIHSA attributed the flooding currently recorded in parts of the country largely to flash floods triggered by intense and prolonged rainfall, poor drainage, indiscriminate waste disposal and unauthorised urban development.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain calm, warning against panic over unverified information.
“Members of the public are advised to remain calm and not panic over unverified information,” NIHSA said.
