The Jigawa State Government has launched an aggressive campaign to reinforce flood defences as climate experts warn that 21 local government areas, including Guri, are at risk of serious flooding in 2025.
Governor Umar Namadi made the announcement on Monday, explaining that the state is not taking a wait-and-see approach but is instead implementing a wide range of preventive measures ahead of the rainy season. His comments come in response to warnings issued by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), both of which highlighted Jigawa as a potential flood hotspot.
“Floods don’t have to catch us off guard,” Namadi said. “We’ve already initiated major infrastructural work including embankment construction and river dredging. In fact, 150 kilometres of the Hadejia River have already been dredged, with another 150 to go.”
The efforts target critical waterways, such as the Kafin Hausa–Hadejia River and the Dabi–Guri route, with the aim of improving water flow and reducing the risk of spillovers during heavy rains. NEMA, which hosted a preparedness session in Dutse under the theme “2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood and Related Hazards”, highlighted the urgency of early intervention.
Dr Nura Abdullahi, Head of NEMA’s Kano office, warned that the flooding could occur as early as July, extending through September. He named 20 additional LGAs expected to be moderately impacted, including Birnin Kudu, Auyo, and Malam Madori.
Governor Namadi reaffirmed that his administration would not relent in efforts to shield the state from natural disasters. “We’re investing heavily in resilience-building. The goal is to ensure that no life, farmland, or essential infrastructure is lost to floodwaters,” he said.
Experts have praised the state’s approach, noting that early action could make the difference in mitigating the social and economic fallout of seasonal floods.
