The National Emergency Management Agency has increased surveillance of Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam as part of efforts to reduce the risk of flooding along communities bordering the River Benue.
NEMA disclosed this in its July-August 2026 performance report submitted to the Office of the National Security Adviser, outlining measures taken to prepare for and respond to flood and other climate-related emergencies.
The agency said tracking developments around the dam was necessary because of the potential impact of water levels on communities downstream. It added that it was working with federal and state authorities to monitor vulnerable areas and provide residents with timely flood warnings.
According to NEMA, information from national flood forecasts was being converted into practical safety advice for communities through collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies, Local Emergency Management Committees, traditional leaders and other stakeholders.
Residents in areas considered vulnerable to flooding have also been advised to take precautionary measures and move to safer locations when necessary.
NEMA, however, dismissed reports circulating online that the Kagini Dam in Kaduna State was at risk of collapsing and could trigger widespread flooding in Kaduna and Niger states.
The agency said a joint inspection with relevant stakeholders found no immediate danger of the dam collapsing, describing the social media reports as unfounded.
Meanwhile, NEMA said its emergency teams remained prepared to respond to floods, windstorms and other disasters. It listed several locations where it carried out interventions during the period, including Uyo, Eket, Ringim, Calabar, Kaduna, Riyom, Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw.
To strengthen its emergency coordination system, NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, activated the National Emergency Operations Centre in August. The centre is expected to improve the collection and analysis of information on flooding and other climate-related emergencies and support faster decision-making.
The agency also conducted a flood simulation exercise in Calabar, Cross River State, while taking part in another emergency preparedness exercise in Adamawa State alongside the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation and other partners.
NEMA said the exercises were aimed at assessing the readiness of emergency agencies, testing communication channels and improving coordination during possible flood disasters.
Beyond preparedness, the agency reported that relief materials and other assistance reached 24,625 households, covering about 147,750 people, across the country in July and August.
It also upgraded three emergency response and ambulance bays in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas as a pilot project designed to improve response times and access to emergency medical assistance.
The renewed attention on the Lagdo Dam follows previous flooding episodes linked to water releases from the facility. The dam has remained a major concern for Nigeria because excess water can flow into the country through the River Benue and its tributaries.
During the devastating 2022 floods, NEMA reported 665 deaths, more than 2.4 million displaced people and over 4.4 million others affected nationwide.
With the 2026 rainy season underway, the agency said continued monitoring and early warnings would remain central to protecting communities that face heightened flood risks.
