Tag: Katsina

The Katsina State Government has rolled out flood control strategy as the 2025 rainy reason sets in, in an effort to safeguard lives and property across its communities.

The Permanent Secretary in the office of the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mannir Mani, who made the above disclosure to newsmen in Katsina, said the urgency of the early warning actions were signaled by NIMET’S forecasts, which demonstrates the present administration’s deep concerns for the lives of her citizens

The Nation recalled that recent alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had warned of likely flooding and severe weather conditions in several states, including Katsina.

NIMET’s seasonal outlooks had also placed Katsina among 33 states at risk of flooding, windstorms, and related hazards.

The Permanent Secretary said: ”Without wasting time, the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment, had convened a high-level emergency coordination meeting in the state capital.”

”The meeting, which brought together Chairmen from all 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs), signalled a united front in disaster preparedness’, indicating the state’s determination to respond proactively.”

“This is not just about forecasts, it’s about responsibility; our government is committed to protecting lives and livelihoods. We must act now.”

Representing the Commissioner for Environment, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muntari Kado, underscored the importance of grassroots engagement.

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He said: “Flooding starts at the community level. That’s why it is critical that our response begins with those who are closest to the people.”

He also stated that the Deputy Governor had treated the flood warnings with urgency, instructing all relevant agencies to initiate necessary action without delay.

Other flood control strategy rolled out by the state government includes the construction of 13 culvert construction projects which begun across seven LGAs, aimed at improving drainage and mitigating water overflow.

Also, radio announcements and local engagement efforts to educate residents about safety precautions and warning signs on flood and erosion were also underway.

Executive Secretary of SEMA, Hajiya Binta Dangani, in a passionate appeal to the LG Chairmen called for support to enable the government to reach the people fast enough.

She said: “Without your leadership, we cannot reach the people fast enough. We need your presence, your equipment, and your commitment,” she said, stressing that support from local authorities would determine the success of preparedness.

The meeting was well attended by top government officials, including local government chairmen, directors from SEMA, Ministry of Environment and other key stakeholders.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to pay a one-day working visit to the Katsina State today.

The visit is the first of its kind by the President to the state since he assumed office in 2023.

Katsina State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, said during a press briefing that President is expected to inaugurate two out of the numerous projects executed by Governor Dikko Radda-led administration.

Read Also: Tinubu visits Katsina Friday, inaugurates agric mechanisation centre, others

He said: ‘’The projects billed for inauguration include the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre alongside Eastern By-pass, which stretched from Dutsin-ma Road, through Kano and Daura road, and terminated at Yandaki, in the Kaita Local Government Area of the state’.

‘’The visit would be an opportunity for the state to discuss some of its challenges, especially insecurity, with the President.’’

The Commissioner urged residents of the state to come out en masse to welcome the President and be law-abiding.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has revealed that the state government is making significant efforts to combat the effects of climate change, including the construction of critical infrastructure aimed at controlling flooding and supporting agriculture.

Speaking at the Katsina State Climate Action and Green Investment Summit in Abuja, Governor Radda announced the construction of a Phase II River Bank Protection Retaining Wall, an emergency intervention project valued at ₦10.8 billion. He described the wall as more than just a structure, but a vital shield for communities vulnerable to flooding.

“In recent times, Jibia town has experienced repeated flooding, which has destroyed homes, farmlands, and valuable properties. This project is part of our proactive approach to protect our people,” he said.

In addition to the retaining wall, the governor noted that the state had completed the Phase II Stormwater Drainage Project in Katsina metropolis at the cost of ₦11.2 billion, aimed at preventing urban flooding and safeguarding infrastructure and lives.

To support food security and mitigate the challenges posed by seasonal farming, the government has also distributed dry season farming inputs to 2,040 targeted farmers, enabling them to maintain year-round production.

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The governor said, “The Katsina state government has so far distributed 4,000 solar water pumps, tillers, and 204 tube wells. These initiatives simultaneously address energy poverty and agricultural productivity. We’ve coupled this with capacity building for 2,040 beneficiaries to ensure technology transfer which is accompanied by knowledge transfer for millions of our citizens.

“The consequences of this climate crisis resulted in diminished harvests, vanishing biodiversity, conflicts over scarce resources, and a generation of youth compelled to migrate in search of survival. Yet, within these challenges lies immense opportunity. Oftentimes, I travel through our rural communities, I see firsthand how climate change has altered the farming activities of our people. Where once there were thriving farms and succulent agricultural produce, now there are encroaching sands. Where once there were reliable rains, now there is uncertainty”

Radda said, since assuming office, his government has tackled these challenges head-on, and are not leaving any stone unturned. 

“We have sought partnerships with the federal government of Nigeria. At the international level, we have equally received tremendous attention to address this challenge. Thus, I am proud to enumerate the remarkable achievements my administration has recorded in climate-related developments, where we have heavily invested both funds and energy. 

The minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal said this is a time when environmental resilience and green economic transformation are at the forefront of our collective agenda. 

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat. Nigeria is witnessing the consequences of climate change today in the form of desert encroachment, extreme heat, flooding, droughts, dwindling agricultural productivity and resultant insecurity in our nation. 

He noted that the summit signals Katsina State’s readiness not just to adapt to climate change but to lead with innovation. It also presents a unique platform to attract responsible private sector investment that aligns with both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.