Amid rising floodwaters in parts of Nigeria, the federal government has moved to correct widespread social media speculation, confirming that the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has not begun releasing water from its reservoir. The clarification comes as authorities work to manage public concern and direct attention toward the actual causes of recent inundations.
Official Statement on Lagdo Dam Status
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued a statement on Thursday, August 28, 2026, dismissing reports that Cameroon had commenced a water release from the dam. The agency’s Director-General/CEO, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, signed the statement, which described the circulating claims as “completely incorrect.”
According to NIHSA, the Lagdo Dam Authority is currently impounding water into its reservoir rather than releasing it. The agency provided specific data to support its position, noting that the reservoir level stood at 209.82 metres, which is still 6.18 metres below its maximum operating level of 216 metres. This margin, the agency indicated, leaves room for additional water storage without triggering an immediate release.
Status of Nigeria’s Major Dams
In the same update, NIHSA offered a snapshot of conditions at two of Nigeria’s key inland dams. The Kainji Dam was recorded at 130.38 metres, against a maximum operating level of 141.83 metres. The Jebba Dam stood at 100.03 metres. The agency stated that both facilities remain within normal operating parameters, even though they have experienced lower-than-average inflows this season.
These figures suggest that, at least for now, the primary pressure on Nigeria’s river systems is not coming from upstream dam releases but from local weather patterns.
What Is Driving the Flooding
NIHSA attributed the flooding currently observed in parts of the country to a combination of factors, with intense and prolonged rainfall serving as the principal trigger. The agency also pointed to poor drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, and unauthorized urban development as contributing elements that worsen the impact of heavy rains.
This explanation shifts the focus from a cross-border water management issue to domestic environmental and infrastructural challenges. Flash floods, which occur when intense rainfall overwhelms local drainage capacity, appear to be the immediate cause of the waterlogged conditions affecting communities.
Public Reassurance and Call for Calm
In its statement, NIHSA urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid panic over unverified information. The agency’s appeal reflects a broader concern about the potential for misinformation to create unnecessary alarm, particularly in regions already dealing with the practical difficulties of flood response.
For residents in flood-prone areas, the distinction between a dam release and flash flooding matters for how they prepare. A sudden release from Lagdo would typically require coordinated downstream warnings and evacuation planning, whereas flash floods demand more localized readiness, including clearing drainage channels and avoiding construction in unauthorized zones.
Looking Ahead
While the immediate rumor has been addressed, the underlying issue of seasonal flooding remains. The data provided by NIHSA indicates that reservoir levels are being monitored closely, and the agency’s willingness to release specific figures suggests a degree of transparency aimed at building public trust.
As the rainy season continues, the combination of sustained rainfall and urban infrastructure weaknesses will likely keep flooding a live concern. The federal government’s response, as articulated by NIHSA, is to ground public discourse in verified data rather than speculation, even as it acknowledges the real hardships caused by the current weather conditions.
Source: Lagdo Dam: FG debunks water release rumour, says flooding caused by heavy rains