The Niger State Government has issued a warning to residents living along the River Niger and River Kaduna to relocate to safer areas following the release of large volumes of water from hydroelectric dams in the state.
The advisory, released on Thursday by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and signed by its Director-General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said water is currently being discharged from the Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru, and Jebba dams, raising the risk of widespread flooding.
“The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, which could lead to overflow of these rivers. People in riverine areas should relocate to safer grounds already identified by government,” the statement read.
NiMet and Hydrological Warnings
The Nigerian Hydrological Services and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have both raised fresh alerts about flooding and violent windstorms. Residents are urged to avoid riverbanks, substandard structures, and standing under trees during rainfall.
According to NSEMA, the state has already begun experiencing the negative impacts of flooding, with houses, farmlands, roads, and bridges washed away in several local government areas.
The affected LGAs include Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Gbako, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Mashegu, Agwara, Bida, Edati, Munya, Bosso, Chanchaga, Paikoro, and Wushishi. Loss of lives has also been reported.
Recurring Flooding in Niger State
Niger is home to three of Nigeria’s largest hydro dams — Kainji, Shiroro, and Jebba — making it one of the most flood-prone states during the rainy season.
- In May 2025, over 200 lives were lost in a devastating flood in Mokwa LGA.
- In 2023, several communities in Lavun, Mokwa, and Lapai lost farmlands and houses after water releases from the dams.
- In 2022, over 600 people died nationwide from severe flooding, with Niger among the hardest-hit states.
NSEMA says assessment of the current situation is ongoing and pledged to provide regular updates while urging stakeholders, traditional leaders, and the media to amplify the relocation advisory.
