Jigawa On High Alert As Heavy Rains Trigger Flood Warning

According to Ireporter Online, the advisory follows recent alerts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), which projected that intense rainfall could lead to flooding in over 14,000 communities across 33 states, including Jigawa.

The state, which has repeatedly experienced seasonal flooding, continues to suffer recurring losses, including destruction of farmlands, property damage, displacement of residents, and in some cases, loss of lives.

As part of preventive measures, the Jigawa State Directorate of the NOA engaged journalists during an interactive session held in Dutse, where it outlined key areas of its ongoing sensitisation campaign, including flood mitigation, emergency preparedness, continuous voter registration, and awareness against the misuse of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).

The State Director of NOA, Ahmad Ibrahim, explained that the campaign became necessary in light of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, stressing that while flooding is a natural occurrence, human actions often worsen its impact. He noted that indiscriminate waste disposal, poor drainage maintenance, deforestation, and illegal construction on waterways remain major contributors to flooding in the state.

He further stated that the agency would intensify community engagement efforts across all 27 local government areas, deploying Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers to flood-prone communities to enhance awareness and preparedness.

Residents were urged to take official early warning alerts seriously, particularly those issued by NiMet, while also embracing proper sanitation practices, clearing drainage channels, and supporting tree-planting initiatives to reduce environmental risks.

On civic participation, Ibrahim disclosed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had resumed the third phase of Continuous Voter Registration, running from May 11 to July 10, 2026, encouraging eligible citizens to register, update, or correct their voter details at designated centres.

He also raised concerns over the growing misuse of RUTF, stressing that the therapeutic food is strictly meant for the treatment of severely malnourished children and should not be traded or consumed by adults. He warned that such practices undermine humanitarian efforts and endanger vulnerable children who depend on the intervention for survival.

The NOA reaffirmed its commitment to sustained public enlightenment campaigns and called on the media to strengthen advocacy efforts aimed at protecting communities and ensuring responsible environmental and health practices across the state.