On Tuesday, the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to take action regarding the frequent flooding caused by the opening of the Lagdo Dam in northern Cameroon. The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, highlighting the urgent need to investigate the recurrent flooding linked to the dam’s operations.
Chinda informed his colleagues that the Lagdo Dam, constructed in 1982 for irrigation and electricity generation, releases excess water to prevent overflow, which subsequently flows into Nigeria. This has led to significant flooding in several states along the river, including Borno, Adamawa, Benue, Taraba, and Kogi.
The repercussions of this flooding are severe, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of communities, destruction of farmlands, livestock, homes, and critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. Chinda emphasized that, despite early warnings from Nigerian authorities about water releases from the Lagdo Dam, many communities remain unprepared and vulnerable to the floods.
He noted that although there was an agreement in principle between Nigeria and Cameroon to construct a buffer dam—the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State—to contain excess water, the project has been stalled for years due to funding and bureaucratic delays.
Chinda underscored the urgent need for the Federal Government to devise long-term solutions to mitigate the impacts of annual flooding and protect communities along the River Benue and Niger basins. He warned that without prompt actions to engage relevant stakeholders, the flooding situation will continue to worsen each year, eroding public confidence in leadership.
As a result, the House mandated the Nigerian/Cameroon Friendship Group to investigate the agreements surrounding the Lagdo Dam and the mitigation measures in place, providing their findings within two weeks for further legislative action.
The House also directed the Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Works to expedite the completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam, which is intended to act as a buffer for excess water released from the Lagdo Dam. Furthermore, it called for the National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies, to enhance early warning systems and improve evacuation and relief efforts for communities in flood-prone areas.
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