The advisory followed a notification from North South Power Company Ltd. (NSPCL), operators of the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Plant, on improved inflows into the River Kaduna catchment and the Shiroro Reservoir
By Moses Okorie
The Niger Government has alerted residents and communities along the Kaduna River Basin to the possibility of rising water levels following sustained inflows into the Shiroro Reservoir during the ongoing 2026 rainy season.
The government said a controlled release of water from the Shiroro Reservoir could become necessary in September as a precautionary measure to safeguard the dam and downstream communities.
The warning was contained in a public service announcement issued by Mr. Obed Nana, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Minna.
Nana said the advisory followed a notification from North South Power Company Ltd. (NSPCL), operators of the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Plant, on improved inflows into the River Kaduna catchment and the Shiroro Reservoir.
He explained that recent hydrological observations indicated sustained inflows into the reservoir, with further high inflows expected during the rainy season in line with the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
According to him, any controlled release would be undertaken strictly as a precautionary step to enhance the safety of the dam structure and reduce potential risks to communities downstream.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution throughout the remainder of the rainy season, particularly those living or conducting activities around flood-prone areas, river channels and floodplains.
He specifically advised farmers cultivating along the River Kaduna floodplain to take necessary precautions, while fishermen, boat operators and others involved in water-related activities were urged to exercise extra care.
Nana also appealed to community leaders to promptly share the advisory with residents and urged the public to remain attentive to further updates from the state government and relevant authorities.
He assured residents that there was no need to panic, but stressed the importance of staying alert and taking appropriate measures to protect lives, property and livelihoods.
The commissioner said the state government, in collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders, would continue to monitor developments around the reservoir and provide updates as necessary.
He urged residents and communities in potentially affected areas to take the warning seriously and cooperate with authorities throughout the remaining period of September.