The warning issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), was sequel to a report from the Niger Basin Authority in Niamey.
The Nigerian government has issued a flood alert due to rising water levels in Niger Republic and Mali.
The warning issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), was sequel to a report from the Niger Basin Authority in Niamey.
In a statement released on Friday, Umar Mohammed, the NIHSA Director-General, indicated that flooding is anticipated in Kebbi and neighbouring states due to upstream activities in Niger and Mali.
“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) informs the public about the rising water levels in the River Niger system as of August 23, 2024,” the statement said.
“This alert is based on a report from the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) in Niamey, Niger Republic,” the statement added.
"Flood waters from Niger and Mali are expected to gradually flow into Nigeria through Kebbi State.
"The dam operators at Kanji and Jebba on the River Niger have been notified and are prepared. As of August 22, 2024, the dams are not releasing water from their reservoirs.
Communities and states along the River Niger system should be on high alert through the end of August and into September.
"NIHSA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary."
Recall that in 2020, the agency noted that properly managed flooding could benefit Nigeria’s economy.
The then-Director-General of NIHSA, Clement Eze, had suggested that floods could be directed to the agricultural sector, though he also pointed out that inadequate dam infrastructure contributed to frequent flooding in the country.