The Jigawa State Government has commenced early preparations for the 2026 rainy season, approving more than N353 million for emergency response equipment and flood mitigation efforts.
The disclosure was made by the Executive Secretary of the state’s emergency management agency, Hannafi Yakubu, during a briefing with journalists on the government’s readiness for potential weather-related challenges.
According to Yakubu, the approved funds will be used to procure essential items, including 20 motorised boats, relief materials, and other life-saving equipment aimed at reducing the impact of flooding in vulnerable communities.
He explained that the decision was informed by early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which has predicted the likelihood of severe flooding in 11 local government areas of the state, alongside possible dry spells in other regions.
Yakubu added that the government has also approved the renovation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps to ensure they are adequately equipped to accommodate residents who may be displaced by flooding.
He noted that the identified high-risk local government areas are currently under close monitoring, with relevant agencies already implementing preventive measures to minimise potential damage and loss of life.
In addition, the state has pre-positioned 11 trucks loaded with both food and non-food relief materials, ready for immediate distribution if flooding occurs.
The emergency management official urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone communities, to take precautionary measures by clearing blocked drainage systems, avoiding construction on waterways, and cooperating with emergency response teams.
The early intervention reflects a proactive approach by the state government to disaster management, aimed at reducing the humanitarian and economic impact of seasonal flooding.
