The Sokoto State Government is strengthening its communication strategies and response mechanisms to better prepare for and mitigate potential flooding.
This, includes improved early warning systems, proactive flood risk management, and strengthened collaboration between government agencies and local communities.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Aminu Abdullahi, who is also the Chairman Disaster Response Coordinating Committee in the state made this known on Monday in Sokoto.
Abdullahi said government was aware of 2025 Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMET) and Nigerian Hydrological Agency (NIHSA) predictions.
He said that a stakeholders’ meeting was convened comprising of the Commissioner for Environment as well as others from other relevant agencies and security organisations on the forecast.
”Programmes and response mechanisms were fine-tuned on averting flood, planting of crops on the right time, needed seedlings and other considerations toward safeguarding peoples lives and properties.
”The committee warned people against tree felling, indiscriminate disposal of waste on the water ways which block water passages, unprofessional building constructions and other human activities while good messages were prepared for public circulation,” he said.
Abdullahi added that local government authorities, traditional institutions, farmers groups and other stakeholders were properly briefed on the strategies for circulation to people at different levels.
Also, the Head of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Sokoto state, Mr Abubakar Umar said the agency plans to work with the state ministry of environment, water resources and agriculture to ensure a seamless coordination.
Umar said that Nigeria experienced harsh flooding incident in 2012 and 2018 while similar incidents were closely replicated in 2022 with high rainfall and flows from Sokoto and Bakalori rivers which serve as a major source of flood in Sokoto state and environs.
”The 2025 predictions were disseminated with forecast of expected floods in some areas that comprised Goronyo, Tangaza, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Rabah, Silame, Wamakko, Kebbe, Yabo and Shagari local government areas.
”In 2022, 32 states of the federation were affected by flood and no fewer than 66, 622 persons, 6,136 houses and many farmlands were affected in Sokoto state,” he said.
The Head of NiMET in Sokoto state, Yawale Baba, said the agency ensures prompt dissemination of information on weather and associated climatic situations to state and relevant agencies.
Baba said that the information was simplified in local languages and shared with relevant organisations in order to ensure right attentions and responses.
Speaking also, the Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Tukur Abubakar, said critical stakeholders meeting was organised by the agency.
Abubakar cautioned people on the dangers of indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways, constructions on flood prone areas and other human factors.
He urged stakeholders to sensitise public which is important due to the predictions that rain would be much this year.
”Based on NiMET predictions that rain will be much this year, NEMA as a responsive agency, felt that we should start sensitisation programme in and around Sokoto state on the need to be mindful of how to keep the environment and clear the drains before the onset of this heavy rain.
“We are soliciting for more collaborations on mitigation strategies and sensitising people to have a cleaner environment and so that people don’t drive in the flood,” he said.
NAN
