Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The people of Hadejia, Auyo, Miga and other flood‑vulnerable communities in Jigawa State have taken a major step toward protecting themselves from the devastating floods predicted for the 2026 rainy season, adopting community‑led emergency response plans designed to save lives and reduce damage to farmlands and property. The proactive move follows early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which projected that flooding may hit about 20 local government areas in the state this year. In response, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with funding from the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, launched a Community Emergency Response Plan (CERP) to cushion the impact on vulnerable populations.
The plan was formally presented to community leaders during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Auyo Local Government Area. It outlines key actions to be taken before, during and after flooding, including preparedness strategies, emergency response procedures, early recovery measures and demobilisation processes. Stakeholders said the documents are designed to empower local populations with the tools and protocols needed to mitigate risks, protect assets and save lives during the critical early hours of a disaster. Riverine local government areas such as Auyo, Hadejia and Miga, which are largely rural and dependent on farming, fishing, livestock rearing and petty trading, remain highly exposed to seasonal flooding. Heavy rainfall and rising water levels often destroy farmlands, displace households and disrupt economic activities.
UNICEF Communications Specialist, Samuel Kaalu, noted that flooding frequently leads to displacement, loss of livelihoods and heightened vulnerability, especially among women and children. “When disasters occur, lives are disrupted, people are forced out of their homes and farmlands are destroyed. For us in UNICEF, the impact on children and women is of particular concern,” he said. “This plan is not just a document but a practical guide. Communities must use it effectively so that even if flooding occurs, the consequences are minimised.”
The Emergency Response Plan, developed through consultations with local stakeholders, outlines coordination structures and clearly defines roles for communities, local authorities and emergency agencies across all phases of disaster management. Under the framework, collaboration is expected among local governments, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), humanitarian organisations and trained volunteers to ensure swift and coordinated responses. Hadejia, a key historical and economic hub, remains particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to the Hadejia River and the Hadejia‑Nguru wetlands. While the fertile floodplains support agriculture and trade, they also expose residents to recurrent flooding and environmental disruptions. Similarly, Miga and Auyo face risks of flooding, erosion and land degradation, particularly in settlements near wetlands and seasonal rivers.
At the state level, preparedness efforts are being coordinated by SEMA in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Red Cross and other stakeholders. The plan also prioritises early warning systems, evacuation strategies, pre‑positioning of relief materials and regular simulation exercises in line with global best practices. Officials expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen monitoring of flood indicators, improve alert dissemination, and ensure the rapid deployment of resources to mitigate impacts on at‑risk communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, the Director of Planning, Muhammad Bala Sanusi, said the initiative would go a long way in reducing the impact of flooding across the state. He noted that Jigawa had recorded significant progress in flood mitigation compared to previous years due to deliberate efforts by the state government. Part of that commitment includes the establishment of Local Emergency Management Committees in all 27 local government areas, as well as Ward Emergency Management Committees, to ensure swift response during emergencies. Sanusi also disclosed that the state government has earmarked over N300 million for the procurement of emergency relief items. “The adoption of the Community Emergency Response Plan in flood‑prone local governments and across the country would further strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts,” he said.
Experts, however, stressed that sustained implementation and active community participation remain critical to safeguarding lives and livelihoods amid rising climate‑related threats. They urged residents to support government interventions by avoiding the dumping of refuse in drainage channels, culverts and other actions that could worsen flooding. With the rainy season already approaching, the new community plans offer a blueprint that could make the difference between survival and disaster for thousands of families living in Nigeria’s most flood‑exposed areas.
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