Release of Water From Dams: FENRAD Alerts FG Of Serious Consequences

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) an environmental rights Advocacy Organisation has alerted relevant Nigerian authorities of the dire consequences of indiscriminate release of water from major dams by neighbouring countries.

The organisation gave the warning in a release, signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor.

In the release, the organisation warned that this indiscriminate release of water from dams by neighbouring African countries posed a serious flooding threat to Nigeria’s coastal and low-lying states.

Describing the practice as alarming, it said it was being worsened by the increasing impacts of climate change, and thus called for immediate and coordinated action from both federal and state governments, as well as local communities.

Indiscriminate release of water from dams poses serious consequences, FENRAD warns

“In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed devastating floods resulting from dam discharges, poor drainage infrastructure, and extreme weather patterns driven by climate change”, FENRAD stated in the release, adding:

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“These floods have displaced thousands, destroyed farmlands, and disrupted livelihoods, especially in states like Kogi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and parts of the South East and South West regions. FENRAD warns that unless adequate preparedness measures are urgently put in place, this year’s flooding could be even more catastrophic”.

Calling on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), state emergency agencies, and all relevant government institutions to activate early warning systems, FENRAD also urged the relevant authorities to intensify public sensitisation, and implement disaster preparedness plans.

It advised that: “Communities at risk must be engaged and supported with evacuation plans and flood mitigation strategies.

“Additionally, we urge regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries to ensure coordinated dam management practices that minimise downstream impacts.

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“Finally, FENRAD appeals to the Federal and State governments to prioritise long-term climate adaptation measures, including the completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam, improvement of Nigeria’s drainage infrastructure, and the mainstreaming of climate resilience into development planning”.

Climate change, the organisation submitted is real and that its impacts are no longer distant threats, but crises unfolding before everybody’s eyes.