It noted that it had received a notice from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that the country's officials would open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in the days ahead.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for East and Central African Division has alerted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to an impending flooding along the River Benue basin.
It noted that it had received a notice from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that the country's officials would open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in the days ahead.
The letter titled 'Cameroonian Officials To Open The Flood Gates Of The Lagdo Dam On The Benue River In Cameroon,' from the Nigerian foreign affairs ministry and addressed to the Director General of the NEMA was dated August 21, 2023 and received on August 25, 2023.
It said the dam would be opened due to the heavy rainfall around the Dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon.
The letter which was signed by Amb. Umar Z. Salisu, Director African Affairs, for the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, reads, "I have the honour to inform that that the Ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead due to the heavy rainfall around the Dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon.
"According to the Note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate' and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria
"In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed Agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions."