The Federal Government is exploring the possibility of incorporating hydropower generation into flood control infrastructure as part of efforts to improve water management and create employment opportunities.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Friday during an inspection tour of flood control facilities and communities affected by flooding in Lagos State.
Utsev explained that adding power generation components to flood management projects would increase the usefulness of such infrastructure while providing jobs for people involved in their maintenance and operations.
“Integrating hydropower will create employment because the facilities will need regular maintenance and personnel to manage them,” the minister said.
He noted that the initiative would be pursued through partnerships between the federal and state governments as part of measures to strengthen the country’s capacity to tackle flooding.
The minister added that the government would continue to collaborate with state authorities, private organisations and development partners to develop sustainable solutions for flood control and improve water-related infrastructure nationwide.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Mohammed, said the proposal would be reviewed as part of ongoing technical assessments for future projects.
According to him, the idea of including electricity generation in flood control structures would be among the options considered in planning new interventions.
Mohammed, however, warned that more flooding could occur in some parts of the country due to climate change and forecasts of above-average rainfall in 2026.
He explained that changing climate patterns have affected weather conditions and water systems, making flood predictions increasingly challenging.
The NIHSA director-general recalled that the federal government’s 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, released in April, had predicted increased flood risks due to expected heavy rainfall.
“That is why we are seeing flooding in several parts of Lagos. Although we do not wish for it to continue, the possibility remains because more rainfall is expected,” he said.
The minister’s inspection followed recent flooding in Lagos, where heavy rainfall caused road blockages, property damage, business disruptions and difficulties in transportation.
During the visit, Utsev assessed drainage channels, flood control structures and affected communities to determine the level of damage and identify measures to prevent future disasters.
He also met with Lagos State officials and residents to discuss challenges caused by the floods and possible strategies for improving flood management in the state.
(NAN)