By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
The Federal Government has reiterated that increased rain water accentuated by climate change and Mokwa’s bordering river plains and not questions about structural integrity of the Kainji or Jebba Dams caused the disaster that visited the community in Niger State.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, clarified that preliminary assessments point to torrential rainfall and the blockage of natural waterways by unregulated developments as the root causes of the devastating flood incident that struck Mokwa in the early hours of Thursday, May 29.
According to him, both the Kainji and Jebba dams remain structurally intact and operational.
“We want to categorically state that the flood was not caused by water releases from either the Kainji or Jebba dams. Both dams are safe,” Utsev said.
“This incident was the result of heavy rainfall exacerbated by the effects of climate change and poor urban planning, particularly the obstruction of an ephemeral tributary of River Dingi.”
The minister, at the event, profusely extended the Federal Government’s condolences to the people and Government of Niger State and commended the immediate intervention of local authorities and emergency responders.
He said technical teams from relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), are currently on the ground conducting a thorough assessment.
Utsev disclosed that the incident had been foreseen in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), which was released in April. The report had identified 19 Local Government Areas in Niger State—including Mokwa—as high-risk zones, warning of likely flooding due to intensified weather patterns.
“The 2025 AFO had already indicated that 1,249 communities across 176 LGAs in 33 states and the FCT fall within high flood risk areas. Mokwa was not an exception. We must begin to treat these forecasts with the seriousness they deserve,” he stated.
He reiterated the ministry’s earlier recommendations for flood mitigation, which include strengthening drainage infrastructure, relocating vulnerable communities, enforcing land-use regulations, and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.
The minister urged citizens, local authorities, and stakeholders to consult the NIHSA flood forecast dashboard for detailed, localized risk assessments and to adopt proactive measures.
While expressing concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding across Nigeria, Utsev noted that climate change remains a major driver of extreme weather events, which now pose a direct challenge to national infrastructure and community resilience.
“This is not just an environmental issue; it’s a developmental one,” he warned. “Flooding affects lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. We must work together across sectors and at all levels of government to build resilient communities.”
As part of its continued response, the Ministry pledged technical and advisory support to Niger State and other flood-prone regions, and called for strengthened collaboration between federal, state, and local institutions.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the Niger State deputy governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, had reportedly disclosed that about 1,000 people were still missing while over 150 bodies have been buried following the flood in Mokwa local government area of the state.
