The Jigawa government has deployed 20 speedboats to enhance evacuation and emergency response services in flood-prone areas.

Hamza Muhammad, special adviser to Governor Umar Namadi on environment, said this in an interview in Dutse. He said the measure would ensure the prompt evacuation of victims trapped in flood-prone communities.

Mr Muhammad, the Co-Chair of the Technical Committee on Flood Mitigation at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), said the state adopted proactive measures to mitigate the disaster.

He said the move was part of deliberate efforts to respond to the seasonal climate predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency.

“We’re not taking the information for granted because we’re committed to ensuring the safety of the lives and property of our citizens.

“The state governor directed the technical working committee on flooding to take actions through proactive and preventive measures, especially in flood-prone communities.

“We have been working tirelessly since February this year to reduce the impact of flooding as predicted by the agencies,” Mr Muhammad said.

He said the government also embarked on a comprehensive erosion control programme through massive tree planting, reclamation of eroded lands, shelter belts, water sheds, and desilting exercises to prevent river overflows.

According to Mr Muhammad, the committee is collaborating with water-related agencies in Kano and neighbouring states, including NHSA, NiMET, National Water Research Agency, NEMA, UNICEF, and Red Cross Nigeria, to develop a contingency plan to reduce the effects of the disaster.

Also, Hannafi Yakubu, SEMA’s executive secretary, said the agency has conducted sensitisation activities to raise awareness of the dangers and safety tips related to the disaster.

Mr Yakubu said the 2026 seasonal prediction indicated that floods would affect 11 local government areas of the state. He listed the affected areas as Ringim, Taura, Jahun, Miga, Malam Madori, Kaugama, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Hadejia, Guri, and Kiri Kasamma.

“Speed boats will be deployed to deep waters, while the canoes will be used in areas with shallow waters for the rescue mission. The agency also procured food and non-food items for emergency response in case of displacement caused by flooding,” Mr Yakubu said.

In Bauchi, the government has initiated a N29 billion project to control erosion and flooding in the state.

Governor Bala Mohammed, who inaugurated the project, said it aims to protect lives, restore the degraded environment and stimulate economic activities. He said the project is designed to restore 9,842 hectares of degraded lands, provide relief to 213,000 people, and channel over 14 million cubic metres of water annually for irrigation and other economic activities.

Mr Mohammed said erosion control would be carried out at Shagbungara, Unguwar Jidadi, Abubakar Tatari Ali Housing Estate, and Gwallagan Mayaka in Bauchi metropolis, while flood control would cover downstream communities across the state.

“Unmanaged erosion and poor drainage systems have created serious public health concerns, including increased malaria and water-related diseases caused by stagnant water.

“This project is not merely an engineering intervention; it is a public health intervention, a social protection intervention and a long-term investment in human dignity and community well-being,” he said.

According to Mr Mohammed, restoring the affected areas will improve security by reclaiming abandoned erosion corridors and enhancing accessibility within communities.

Mr Mohammed highlighted that the restoration of wetlands and improved water management systems would support dry-season agriculture, landscaping, and small-scale enterprises, thereby strengthening household incomes and food security.

“Environmental restoration can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction,” he said.

(NAN)