In a robust effort to tackle perennial flooding, the Jigawa State Government has constructed a 132-kilometre embankment and 32 drainage systems aimed at protecting farmlands and vulnerable communities. Governor Umar Namadi revealed this during the launch of the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Dutse.According to Governor Namadi, the embankments were strategically built along the Hadejia River to mitigate the destructive impact of seasonal floods and enhance resilience in flood-prone areas. In addition to the embankment, 32 drainage sites are currently under construction across various parts of the state, targeting flood reclamation and erosion control.The governor also disclosed that the state acquired two amphibious hydraulic excavators at the end of 2023. These machines have been deployed to dredge the Hadejia River and clear blocked channels affected by invasive typha grass. The initiative, coordinated by a technical committee, aims to restore over 159 kilometers of river channels to ensure smooth water flow and reduce the likelihood of future flooding.“To bolster this intervention, the government is also providing manual tools and equipment to local communities to support grassroots participation in flood prevention activities,” Namadi said.On the emergency response front, Abdullahi Sa’id, Chairman of the Jigawa Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), confirmed that adequate funding has been secured to expedite ongoing flood mitigation and emergency preparedness operations.In support of these efforts, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), through its Kano Territorial Office, has intensified sensitisation campaigns in collaboration with Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). NEMA’s Head of Office, Nura Abdullahi, explained that the campaign falls under the 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood and Related Hazards.He noted that LEMCs and local stakeholders across all 27 local government areas had been mobilised to strengthen proactive flood response activities. Trained personnel and volunteers have also been deployed to alert residents in high-risk zones with early warning signs and actionable advice.“This campaign emphasises community-based information sharing and reinforces the state’s early warning systems,” Abdullahi said. He added that predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) indicate potential flooding in 21 of the 27 local government areas in the state, as highlighted in their 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook.In a related development, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jigawa has carried out public enlightenment campaigns in five vulnerable communities. According to its Director, Ahmad Tijjani, the agency used radio programmes and public discussions to address human activities that contribute to flooding.Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Government has launched a monthly statewide environmental sanitation exercise as part of its flood prevention strategy. Mas’ud Aliyu, Director-General of the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (BASEMA), said the initiative encourages communities to vacate flood-prone areas and adopt preventive practices.Aliyu emphasised the importance of awareness campaigns in early warning systems and highlighted ongoing collaboration with local leaders and stakeholders to drive behavioural change.Further strengthening this initiative, Dr. Mahmud Bose, Director-General of the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), stated that the agency is enforcing mandatory drain clearing activities in partnership with local councils. The focus is to eliminate blockages and promote cleanliness across communities.Bose called on residents to avoid dumping waste in waterways and urged collective participation in keeping the environment safe.“Our goal is to proactively prevent avoidable flood disasters through sustainable environmental practices. Everyone must contribute to this shared responsibility,” he concluded.
Jigawa Constructs 132km Embankment, Intensifies Flood Control Measures
