By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
In response to predictions of severe flooding this rainy season, the Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with its 27 local government councils, has earmarked a total of ₦4.297 billion for prevention and emergency response efforts.
This was disclosed by Dr. Abdullahi Sa’ad, Chairman of the Local Government Environmental Management Committee and Secretary of the Jigawa State Vice Chairmen Association of Nigeria, during a flood preparedness and environmental sanitation stakeholders’ town hall meeting held in Ringim, headquarters of Ringim Local Government Area.
Dr. Sa’ad, who is also the Vice Chairman of Gagarawa Local Government Council, said that based on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)’s projections, about 21 local government areas in Jigawa are at high risk of flooding this year.
According to him, “The state government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), allocated ₦4 billion, while each of the 27 local councils contributed ₦11 million to bolster flood prevention and emergency response.”
To strengthen local preparedness, Dr. Sa’ad said the government established a Local Government Environmental Management Committee (LEMC) in each council area under the office of the Vice Chairman. In addition, a 20-member committee has been constituted in every local government to spearhead sensitization campaigns and drainage clearance initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA), Mr. Adamu Sabo, emphasized the urgency of the campaign. He described it as “not just a preventive measure but a life-saving exercise,” warning that the human and material cost of inaction could be devastating.
“Government is already desilting rivers and clearing waterways to ensure smooth water flow during heavy rains and dam releases,” he said. He urged citizens to support these efforts by clearing drainages around their homes and sharing the message with others in their communities.
“Prevention is better than cure. Everyone has a role to play,” Mr. Sabo added.
During the meeting, several participants raised concerns over the siltation of River Hadejia, which they described as a major cause of recurrent flooding in about 13 local government areas. They called on both the state and federal governments to prioritize the desilting of River Hadejia as a permanent solution to the region’s annual flood disasters.