Mr Ugochukwu Chioke, Chief Operating Officer of North South Power Company Ltd. (NSPCL) at Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, issued the warning during the 2025 annual stakeholders’ flood sensitisation workshop, on Friday in Minna.
He stressed that the permanent solution to flooding lied in riparian residents keeping clear of designated flood plains.
“Before any dam is established, the flood plains of the river are carefully mapped.
“Those living within these areas are compensated and expected to relocate. No activities should take place there,” Chioke explained.
Emphasising the need for ongoing education, he said continuous sensitisation was crucial to prevent communities from returning annually to flood-prone zones.
He said he the workshop was aimed to educate participants on flood prediction, management, and mitigation strategies specifically within the Kaduna River basin.
In his opening remarks, Mr Olubunmi Peters, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NSPCL, said the workshop targeted residents involved in water-based activities both upstream and downstream of the Shiroro plant.
“We want to raise awareness of the environmental hazards caused by flooding and ways to reduce damage to lives and property,” he said.
Represented by Alhaji Hassan Abdullahi, NSPCL’s Corporate Social Responsibility Consultant, Peters conveyed important information regarding flood risks.
He noted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had issued a flood alert for July, warning that 20 states, including Niger, were at risk of flash floods.
He called on stakeholders to develop cost-effective flood control strategies and urged government agencies to desilt gutters and flood channels regularly, as well as to improve climate information dissemination to farmers.
Alhaji Hussaini Isah, Head of NEMA’s Minna Operations Office, reported that 16 local government areas in Niger were at high risk of flooding between July and September.
Prof. Danlaldi Hakimi, Chairman of the Dam Host Committee, described the workshop as timely and necessary to encourage communities to take proactive flood precautions. (NAN)
