19 Jigawa LGAs Listed in High, Moderate Flood Risk Areas, Says NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 19 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Jigawa state as being at high and moderate risk of flooding. This announcement was made by Hajiya Zaubaida Umar, the Director-General of NEMA, during the 2024 Downscaling and Sensitization of Flood Early Warning Strategies for Early Actions in Dutse.

According to the Nigeria Hydrological Agency’s (NIHSA) 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), the affected LGAs are Kaugama, Hadejia, Auyo, Ringim, Taura, Miga, Jahun, Guri, Kirikasamma, Malammadori, Gumel, Gwaram, Dutse, Birniwa, Kiyawa, Kafinhausa, Suletankarkar, Babura, and Maigatari. Dr. Nura Abdullahi, the Coordinator of NEMA Kano Territorial Office, represented Umar at the event.

Umar emphasized the importance of community-wide participation in disaster risk management and called for support in downscaling flood early warning and risk mitigation to the grassroots level. She highlighted that managing disaster risk is a collective responsibility, and collaboration is essential to safeguard communities, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain socio-economic activities in Jigawa State.

Umar expressed hope that these initiatives would significantly reduce the impact of recurring annual floods and protect the livelihoods of the people in the state. She added that these efforts align with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda aimed at driving socio-economic growth and development.

Governor Umar Namadi, represented by his deputy, Mr. Aminu Usman, assured that the state government has taken proactive measures to mitigate the impact of floods across the state. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the people.

Dr. Aliyu Mairiga, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), emphasized the urgency of implementing effective and proactive measures to enhance resilience and mitigate flood risks. He recalled the devastating impacts of past floods, particularly the flood of 2022, and noted that NEMA’s redefined 2024 early warning strategies are tailored to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the state.