IMPACT OF NIGERIA-CAMEROON LAGDO DAM AGREEMENT ON FLOOD DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The sovereign right of states to utilize natural resources within their territory is a recognized principle of international law; however, this right is constrained by the duty not to cause harm to other states. The transboundary nature of river basins like the Benue River, which links Nigeria and Cameroon, has led to intensified riparian conflicts due to competing interests and inadequate cooperative frameworks. This study explores the implications of the Nigeria-Cameroon Lagdo Dam Agreement on flood disaster management in Nigeria, particularly in the context of recurring floods resulting from water releases from the Lagdo Dam. The research situates the agreement within the broader historical and diplomatic relations between the two countries, shaped by colonial legacies and evolving bilateral engagements. By examining the construction and operational impact of the Lagdo Dam (1977–1982), and analyzing relevant bilateral agreements, this study evaluates how diplomatic, technical, and policy mechanisms have influenced Nigeria's disaster preparedness and flood mitigation strategies. Utilizing a multidisciplinary lens rooted in international relations, hydropolitics, and disaster management, the study underscores the need for more robust transboundary water governance, equitable risk-sharing frameworks, and enhanced early warning systems. The findings aim to contribute to policy discourse on effective interstate cooperation for mitigating environmental hazards exacerbated by infrastructural and climatic dynamics in West Africa.