The Jigawa State Government has approved N4.2 billion to tackle potential flooding in 21 local government areas identified as high-risk by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s 2025 climate forecast. The announcement was made during a town hall meeting in Ringim, led by Dr. Abdullahi Sa’id, chairman of the Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs). The funds will support early emergency response and mitigation strategies.
According to Sa’id, N4 billion has been allocated through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), with an additional N297 million contributed by the 27 local councils, each giving N11 million. LEMCs have been set up in all local government councils, chaired by the respective vice chairmen and made up of 20 members. Their duties include raising community awareness, clearing blocked waterways, and preparing for rainfall impact.
Adamu Sabo, managing director of the state’s Environmental Protection Agency, said the government is actively dredging rivers in vulnerable communities to reduce overflow from the Tiga, Bagauda, and Challawa dams in Kano. He described the initiative as a life-saving effort and urged residents to avoid dumping waste in water channels.
Hannafi Yakubu, executive secretary of SEMA, echoed the need for public cooperation to keep drainage paths clear. The Emir of Ringim, Alhaji Sayyadi Mahmud, represented by Alhaji Nasiru Isa-Mahmud, praised the government’s approach and called for more community involvement in prevention efforts.
Attendees at the meeting included fire service officials, security agencies, and humanitarian organizations working to support the flood prevention plan.
