By John Moses
As Nigeria braces for the 2025 rainy season, the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has announced that his administration is taking robust measures to reduce the impact of anticipated flooding, particularly in areas identified as high-risk.
In a press briefing held on Monday in Dutse, the state capital, Namadi emphasised that flood prevention—not merely response—was at the heart of the government’s strategy. This follows recent projections by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which flagged Guri Local Government Area as being at high risk of severe flooding this year, with 20 other LGAs expected to face moderate flooding between July and September.
“We are not waiting for disaster to strike before acting. Jigawa has already implemented wide-ranging preventive measures, including the construction of embankments in flood-prone areas and extensive dredging of key rivers,” the governor stated.
According to Namadi, dredging work has been completed on 150 kilometres of the Hadejia River—half of the targeted 300 kilometres—to ensure smoother water flow and reduced overflow into residential and agricultural zones.
This initiative aligns with recommendations from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), whose Kano territorial office recently led a stakeholder session on national preparedness for flood-related hazards. NEMA identified the need for collaborative efforts among government agencies and communities to mitigate the devastating effects of seasonal flooding.
Governor Namadi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives, infrastructure, and farmland across the state. “Our proactive approach aims to protect not only homes and roads but also the livelihoods of farmers and residents who depend heavily on the land,” he added.
