THE Niger State Government has warned residents and communities along the Kaduna River Basin of possible increased 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 might become necessary in September to enhance the safety of the dam structure and protect downstream communities, News Point Nigeria reports.
The warning was contained in a public service announcement issued by Obed Nana, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Niger State, and made available to News Point Nigeria on Friday in Minna.
Nana said the alert followed a notification from North South Power Company Ltd. (NSPCL), operators of the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Plant, indicating improved inflows into the River Kaduna catchment and the Shiroro Reservoir.
According to him, recent hydrological observations showed sustained inflows into the reservoir, with high inflows expected to continue throughout the rainy season, in line with the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
He explained that the controlled release, if required, would be carried out as a precautionary measure to enhance the safety of the dam structure and protect communities downstream.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and exercise utmost caution throughout the remainder of the rainy season, particularly in flood-prone areas and around river channels and floodplains.
He specifically advised farmers cultivating along the River Kaduna floodplain to exercise caution, while fishermen, boat operators and others engaged in water-based activities were urged to take extra precautions.
Nana also called on community leaders to promptly disseminate the advisory to residents and urged members of the public to pay close attention to further advisories from the state government and relevant authorities.
He stressed that residents should not panic but remain alert and take appropriate precautionary measures to protect lives, property and livelihoods, especially as water levels could rise following increased inflows and possible releases from the reservoir.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders, would continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as necessary.
He urged residents to treat the advisory seriously and cooperate fully with the authorities throughout the remaining days of September.
