The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to construct multiple dams across the country in a bid to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding, according to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utserv.
This announcement was made during the inauguration of a 1.2 km hydraulic drainage project at the Idye River Basin in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
The project, executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), represents a step towards addressing the recurring flood challenges in Makurdi.
Professor Utserv, speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the significance of water infrastructure in sustaining communities and the economy.
“Water is life, and that’s why in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, we are building dams across the country, including Benue,” Utserv stated.
“We are also providing water infrastructure across Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of an industrialized and developed nation where hydropower dams generate adequate electricity without compromising local living standards.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Akume, in his speech, emphasized the project’s importance in combating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria’s power-producing areas. He noted that meticulous and long-term planning is essential to reverse the environmental damages caused by floods and erosion.
Abubakar Yelwa, Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, highlighted the severe impact of flooding in Benue State, where the 2022 floods destroyed 18,349 houses and farmlands, displacing 134,797 people. “The 2022 Benue floods were particularly tragic, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to protect communities and livelihoods,” Yelwa said.
The Federal Government has invested approximately N1.2 billion in the flood control project, including additional excavation work aimed at salvaging the lower basin of the community.
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, acknowledged the state’s vulnerability to seasonal flooding and erosion due to its geographical location and climate conditions. He described the Idye flood control project as a “beacon of hope” for the community.
Nigeria has faced severe flooding in recent years, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, poor urban planning, and the release of excess water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam. These floods have caused huge damage to infrastructure, homes, and farmland, raising food security concerns due to crop losses.
