Communities around the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station in Niger State have been strongly advised to stay away from flood plains as the rainy season reaches its peak.

Ugochukwu Chioke, chief operating officer of North South Power Company Ltd. (NSPCL) at Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, issued the warning during the 2025 annual stakeholders’ flood sensitisation workshop on Friday in Minna.

He stressed that the permanent solution to flooding lies in riparian residents keeping clear of designated floodplains.

“Before any dam is established, the floodplains of the river are carefully mapped.

“Those living within these areas are compensated and expected to relocate. No activities should take place there,” Mr Chioke explained.

Emphasising the need for ongoing education, he said continuous sensitisation was crucial to prevent communities from returning annually to flood-prone zones.

He said the workshop was aimed to educate participants on flood prediction, management, and mitigation strategies, specifically within the Kaduna River basin.

In his opening remarks, Olubunmi Peters, executive vice chairman and CEO of NSPCL, said the workshop targeted residents involved in water-based activities, both upstream and downstream of the Shiroro plant.

“We want to raise awareness of the environmental hazards caused by flooding and ways to reduce damage to lives and property,” he said.

Mr Peters, represented by Hassan Abdullahi, NSPCL’s corporate social responsibility consultant, conveyed important information regarding flood risks.

He noted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had issued a flood alert for July, warning that 20 states, including Niger, were at risk of flash floods.

He called on stakeholders to develop cost-effective flood control strategies. He urged government agencies to regularly desilt gutters and flood channels and improve climate information dissemination to farmers.

Hussaini Isah, head of NEMA’s Minna Operations Office, reported that 16 local government areas in Niger were at high risk of flooding between July and September.

Danlaldi Hakimi, the Dam Host Committee chairman, described the workshop as timely and necessary to encourage communities to take proactive flood precautions. 

(NAN)