The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has cleared the air over the cause of the deadly flood that hit Mokwa in Niger State on May 29, 2025.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, June 3, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Utsev dismissed widespread claims that the flood was triggered by water released from the Kainji or Jebba dams.
“The flood was primarily due to heavy rainfall driven by extreme weather conditions associated with climate change, which overwhelmed Mokwa’s drainage capacity,” he said.
The Minister added that blocked tributaries, specifically a seasonal offshoot of River Dingi, worsened the disaster due to unregulated construction.
He praised the swift response by the Niger State Government and local emergency teams and extended federal support to the affected residents.
Utsev also noted that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had already warned about likely flooding in Mokwa and 18 other local governments in its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, which was released on April 10.
That forecast identified 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs across 33 states and the FCT as high flood risk zones. A further 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs were listed as facing moderate risk. Among the states flagged were Niger, Lagos, Kogi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Benue, Kebbi, and Rivers.
READ ALSO: Flood: Niger Govt Confirms 200 Dead, Over 1,000 Still Missing
“The AFO not only predicts flood risks at LGA and community levels but also provides recommendations for adaptation and mitigation. We urge stakeholders to use the NIHSA flood forecast dashboard to guide proactive measures,” Utsev said.
He described the flood in Mokwa as “a stark reminder” of the growing impact of climate change and stressed the ministry’s resolve to build water systems that are both resilient and sustainable.
According to him, technical teams from NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, and the National Water Resources Institute are currently on the ground in Mokwa and will produce a full report soon.
Meanwhile, a senior official in the Ministry, who spoke anonymously, revealed that funds had already been sent to states to upgrade drainage systems in flood-prone areas.
“The truth is that these deaths are not because of dam releases or federal inaction. It is the negligence of some governors who did not deploy the funds released to them for flood control,” she said.
The ministry reiterated its condolences to the people and government of Niger State and called for urgent, nationwide cooperation.
It emphasised that Nigeria must treat flooding not just as a natural disaster but as a pressing developmental challenge.