NIHSA promises enhanced flood monitoring to curb future disasters

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts in monitoring and studying Nigeria’s surface and groundwater reserves by conducting intervention studies to understand why certain areas retain floodwaters.

This, the agency said, was crucial to align with international best practices and reduce the recurrent threat of flooding.

In a statement issued on Monday, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, stated that this year’s severe floods were largely driven by excessive rainfall and the intensifying impacts of climate change.

The DG disclosed that NIHSA has initiated a comprehensive national survey of major rivers and tributaries. This survey aims to pinpoint critical rivers that require instrumentation and real-time monitoring starting next year. This step, he explained, will significantly enhance NIHSA’s flood prediction and early warning systems, thereby protecting lives, farmland, and infrastructure.

He said with the rainy season coming to an end in northern and central Nigeria, water levels in the Niger and Benue rivers are reported to be receding.

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Mohammed noted that while flooding has largely subsided, NIHSA is proactively conducting intervention studies in several flood-affected states to understand why certain areas retain floodwaters. This research, he said, will guide further preventive measures.

The DG extended his gratitude to Nigerians and stakeholders for their vigilance and contributions to safeguarding lives and property throughout this challenging period.