Official Clarification
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has firmly debunked claims that the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, was due to water releases from the Kainji and Jebba dams.
He assured the public that both dams remain structurally intact and operationally safe.
Cause of Flooding
According to the Minister, the flooding was primarily caused by:
- Extreme rainfall attributed to climate change
- Poor urban planning and unregulated construction, particularly around a tributary of the River Dingi
Prof. Utsev referenced the Ministry’s 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, which had previously identified 19 Local Government Areas in Niger State, including Mokwa, as flood-prone zones.
Broader Context and Recommendations
Highlighting the nationwide risk, the Minister revealed that over 1,000 communities across Nigeria fall within high-risk flood zones.
He urged proactive measures, including:
- Improvement of drainage infrastructure
- Relocation of vulnerable populations
- Strict enforcement of land-use regulations
Condolences and Assurance
Prof. Utsev expressed his deep sympathies to the affected residents of Mokwa and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to flood risk reduction and climate resilience through coordinated national efforts.
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