Mokwa Flood: “We Were Warned—Floods Don’t Wait” – Minister

The Federal Government has cleared the air on the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State, stating that the catastrophe was not triggered by any dam release but by heavy rainfall and poor urban planning—factors that could have been addressed if early warnings were heeded.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, June 3, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and property. He emphasized that the Ministry had warned about potential flooding in the area months ago through its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, yet no serious action was taken at the local level.

“We were warned—floods don’t wait,” the Minister stated pointedly. “This disaster could have been reduced or even prevented if the warnings had been acted upon.”

Dismissing rumours that the Kainji or Jebba dams were involved, Prof. Utsev confirmed that both dams are safe and fully intact. He explained that the flood was caused by excessive rainfall and surface runoff, which overwhelmed a dry tributary of River Dingi that became blocked due to unregulated buildings.

The flooding in Mokwa, he explained, is not just a tragedy—it is a signal of a deeper national problem. He said many Nigerian towns are at risk because of blocked drainage, illegal structures, and the failure to enforce land-use regulations.

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According to the Minister, the Annual Flood Outlook released in April had identified Mokwa among 19 high-risk local government areas in Niger State alone. Across Nigeria, over 1,200 communities in 176 local government areas were flagged as high flood risk zones for 2025.

“This isn’t just a climate issue—it’s a development issue,” he said. “Floods now reflect our failure to plan properly, build responsibly, and act on time.”

Prof. Utsev urged states and local governments to stop ignoring technical forecasts and take immediate steps: improve drainage systems, relocate vulnerable communities, enforce building codes, and run public awareness campaigns. He also advised all stakeholders to consult the flood forecast dashboard provided by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) for real-time updates.

He confirmed that technical teams from NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, and the National Water Resources Institute are currently in Mokwa, conducting ground assessments to determine the full scope and cause of the disaster.

As climate change continues to drive extreme weather across Nigeria, the Minister called for a united response. “We must stop seeing flooding as a yearly surprise. It is predictable, preventable, and it must be taken seriously,” he said.

“The rain will come. The flood will rise. But what matters most is what we do before they arrive.”