Written By: Ahmed Rufa’i in Dutse
As concerns grow over possible flooding in parts of northern Nigeria, the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi has intensified efforts to protect vulnerable communities by procuring additional amphibious excavators and empowering local groups involved in waterway clearance.
Governor Umar Namadi in a speech delivered during the launch of a flood prevention and environmental protection programme in Auyo Local Government Area, where working equipment was distributed to 15 Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) engaged in aquatic weed removal and canal clearance across the state said the intervention is aimed at protecting more than 13 local government areas located along River Hadejia and other flood-prone waterways, especially following flood forecasts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
According to him, the state has already cleared over 180 kilometres of waterways stretching from Dani on the Kano-Jigawa border through several communities and extending towards Yobe State.
Namadi revealed that the government has procured two additional amphibious excavators under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, bringing the number of state-owned machines to four.
He added that with two more excavators earlier provided by the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Jigawa now has six amphibious excavators dedicated to canal dredging and aquatic weed removal.
“More than 180 kilometres of waterways have already been cleared. The additional machinery will help us improve water flow and significantly reduce flood risks in vulnerable communities,” the governor said.
He noted that invasive aquatic weeds, blocked drainage channels and silted waterways continue to pose serious threats to farming communities, often leading to flooding, destruction of farmlands and disruption of economic activities.
“Our rivers and wetlands are not only environmental assets; they support farming, fishing, livestock production and other means of livelihood for thousands of our people. Protecting them is a collective responsibility,” he stated.
To strengthen community participation, the government distributed a wide range of tools and materials to the beneficiary organisations. The items include 10,000 bulk-sized empty sacks, 25 large canoes, 1,000 sickles, 500 cutlasses, 500 shovels, 500 head pans, 300 boots, 200 axes, 100 pairs of gumboots and 40 rolls of rubber ropes.
Governor Namadi commended the organisations for their commitment to environmental protection and urged them to utilise the equipment responsibly for the benefit of their communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, afforestation, pollution control and responsible management of natural resources.
The governor subsequently declared the distribution exercise open, expressing optimism that the initiative would help safeguard lives, farmlands and critical infrastructure from the devastating impact of flooding.
