The Federal Government has refuted claims that the devastating flood which struck Mokwa in Niger State on May 29, 2025, was caused by the release of water from the Kainji or Jebba dams.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, said the flood was the result of extreme rainfall and not linked to dam activity.
“There was no release of water from either the Kainji or Jebba dams. Both structures are stable and secure,” the Minister assured. “This unfortunate incident was driven by intense rainfall, a clear indicator of the worsening impacts of climate change, which overwhelmed the drainage system in Mokwa.”
Prof. Utsev explained that illegal constructions along a seasonal tributary of the River Dingi — a branch of the River Niger — contributed significantly to the severity of the flooding.
He commended the swift response of the Niger State Government, local authorities, and emergency agencies, while extending heartfelt condolences to those affected.
“The Federal Government stands in solidarity with the people of Mokwa. Our thoughts are with the families who have suffered losses,” he said.
The Minister also referenced early warnings issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) through its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, released on April 10. According to the forecast, 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas in 33 states, including the FCT, are at high flood risk. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs fall under moderate risk zones. High-risk states highlighted in the report include Niger, Lagos, Kogi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Benue, Kebbi, and Rivers.
He urged state and local governments to act promptly by improving drainage systems, relocating residents from flood-prone areas, enforcing land-use regulations, and increasing public awareness on flood preparedness.
“The flood outlook provides both forecasts and actionable recommendations. We encourage stakeholders to utilize the NIHSA flood forecast dashboard to implement proactive measures,” Utsev noted.
He described the Mokwa disaster as a sobering example of climate change’s growing effect on Nigeria’s water infrastructure and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustainable water resource management and the development of climate-resilient communities.
The minister disclosed that technical teams from NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, and the National Water Resources Institute are currently in Mokwa conducting an impact assessment. A comprehensive report is expected soon.
In a related development, a senior official from the ministry, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the federal government had previously released funds to state governments for flood control measures. However, she alleged that several governors failed to utilize the funds effectively.
“These deaths are not due to dam releases or federal negligence,” she stated. “It’s the result of poor governance. Some state leaders simply did not use the funds allocated for improving drainage infrastructure.”
Reiterating the government’s sympathy, the ministry called for unified action across federal, state, and local governments, as well as civil society and the private sector, to tackle what it described as both a natural and developmental challenge.