Faced with dire predictions of widespread flooding across the region, the governments of Jigawa and Bauchi States have launched a series of urgent environmental and engineering interventions to protect lives, farmlands and infrastructure.
In Jigawa, Governor Umar Namadi announced the construction of 132 kilometres of embankments and 32 drainage systems across flood-prone areas, aimed at controlling water flow from the Hadejia River.
At the inauguration of the state’s 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Dutse, Namadi also revealed the deployment of two amphibious excavators to dredge river channels blocked by invasive typha grass, declaring that “these efforts will build resilience and protect our communities.”
Meanwhile, Bauchi State has embarked on a statewide monthly environmental sanitation drive, with officials stressing that public participation is critical to flood prevention and public health.
Mas’ud Aliyu of the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency warned that residents in high-risk zones must relocate immediately, saying, “We are working with community leaders to ensure people understand the dangers of remaining in flood-prone areas.”
According to forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, 21 out of Jigawa’s 27 LGAs are at imminent risk of serious flooding this rainy season.
NEMA officials have ramped up early warning systems and door-to-door sensitisation campaigns in conjunction with local governments to reduce casualties and property loss.
Dr Mahmud Bose, head of Bauchi’s Environmental Protection Agency, emphasised the importance of regular drain clearing and public hygiene, noting, “Preventing avoidable flooding is everyone’s responsibility.”
These sweeping interventions mark the most extensive flood preparedness efforts in both states in recent years, as climate change continues to intensify seasonal weather patterns across northern Nigeria.
