Jigawa Government Distributes Flood Control Tools To 15 Riverine Communities

The Jigawa State Government has distributed flood prevention, control and emergency response equipment to 15 riverine communities as part of efforts to reduce the impact of possible flooding during the 2026 rainy season.

The initiative follows a warning by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which identified 148 communities in the state as being at high risk of flooding during the period.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Auyo Local Government Area, Governor Umar Namadi said effective flood control and environmental protection could only be achieved through active community participation and ownership.

According to him, the equipment provided to community-based organisations is aimed at strengthening their capacity for rapid response in flood prevention, control and emergency situations.

“Our dreams and commitment to protecting waterways, preserving livelihoods, and reducing environmental risks cannot be achieved without involving you. Therefore, we are fully ready to work hand in hand with communities, the general public, and any partner that indicates interest in collaborating with us on environmental protection,” the governor said.

Namadi also disclosed that the state government had cleared over 110 kilometres of the Hadejia River to improve water flow and reduce flood risks across vulnerable areas.

He added that additional amphibious excavators had been procured under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, bringing the number of state-owned machines to four, with further arrangements in place to respond to emergencies.

The governor urged beneficiary community organisations to work closely with traditional rulers and local leaders to ensure proper coordination and effective use of the equipment, while also encouraging them to seek immediate government support where necessary.

He said the intervention reflects the administration’s commitment to environmental protection and disaster preparedness in flood-prone communities across the state.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Nura Ibrahim Kazaure, said the initiative was designed to empower communities to take an active role in clearing waterways, building embankments and supporting rescue operations during emergencies.

He listed the items distributed to include 10,000 bulk-sized empty sacks, 25 large canoes, 1,000 sickles, 500 cutlasses, 500 shovels, 500 headpans, 300 boots, 200 axes, 100 pairs of gumboots and 40 rolls of rubber ropes.

Kazaure said the government would continue to deepen community involvement in environmental protection efforts, particularly in flood prevention and climate resilience initiatives.

He added that sustained collaboration between government and local communities remains key to reducing the impact of flooding and protecting livelihoods across Jigawa State.