Jigawa State Allocates N4.2 Billion for Flood Mitigation and Emergency Response
The Jigawa state government has allocated a significant sum of N4.2 billion to accelerate flood mitigation efforts and improve emergency response services in the face of potential flooding. This initiative comes as part of preparations for the upcoming rainy season, which is expected to bring challenges to several areas within the state.
Dr. Abdullahi Sa’id, Chairman of the Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), made this announcement during a town hall meeting held in Ringim, the headquarters of the Ringim Local Government Area (LGA). The event was organized by the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA) and the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). The gathering aimed to raise awareness and coordinate efforts among various stakeholders to tackle the anticipated flood risks.
Jigawa is among the states predicted to experience flooding based on the 2025 Seasonal Climate Predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). In response, the state government has taken proactive measures to ensure that affected communities are well-prepared.
Funding and Coordination Efforts
Sa’id revealed that the state government, through SEMA, has set aside N4 billion specifically for flood mitigation and emergency response. Additionally, each of the 27 LGAs contributed N11 million last month to support these efforts. This combined funding will be used to address flood risks across 21 LGAs that are most vulnerable to the disaster.
To ensure effective coordination, the state government has established LEMCs, with each committee led by the Vice Chairman of the respective LGAs. These committees consist of 20 members and are tasked with coordinating flood mitigation activities, including public enlightenment campaigns and desiltation exercises in communities. These actions aim to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Mr. Adamu Sabo, Managing Director of JISEPA, emphasized the importance of community involvement in flood mitigation. He stated that the agency has been conducting flood preparedness campaigns and environmental sanitation drives. These initiatives also include educating communities and stakeholders about their role in preventing floods.
Sabo described the efforts as a “live and property saving initiative” and urged residents to avoid actions that could contribute to flooding. He also highlighted the state government’s ongoing river dredging operations in riverine communities, which are crucial due to the potential overflow from dams in Kano State, such as Tiga, Bagauda, and Challawa.
Participants at the meeting were encouraged to spread the message to their communities to prevent the disaster. Sabo stressed that early prevention is more effective than dealing with the consequences after the fact.
Additional Measures and Warnings
Hannafi Yakubu, Executive Secretary of SEMA, warned against the improper disposal of waste in waterways, as this can significantly increase the risk of flooding. He called for collective responsibility and action to maintain clean water channels.
The Emir of Ringim, Alhaji Sayyadi Mahmud, commended the government’s efforts and expressed hope that these measures would lead to early flood mitigation in the communities. He was represented at the event by Alhaji Nasiru Isa-Mahmud.
Collaboration and Participation
The town hall meeting brought together representatives from federal and state fire services, security agencies, and humanitarian organizations. This collaboration underscores the importance of a unified approach to disaster management.
Through these coordinated efforts, the Jigawa state government aims to minimize the impact of flooding and protect both lives and property. By investing in preparation and community engagement, the state is taking important steps toward building resilience against natural disasters.
