The Jigawa government announced plans to deploy six amphibious excavators for aquatic weed clearance and dredging in Hadejia River to help mitigate flooding.
Gov. Umar Namadi made this statement during the distribution of work tools to 15 Community Based Organizations (CBOs) on Saturday in Auyo, the headquarters of Auyo Local Government Area.
He noted that riverine settlements and water-user communities are being supported in recognition of their roles in channel clearance and environmental sanitation.
Namadi said the state procured two additional amphibious excavators under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project to complement the existing two.
“With two more units previously provided by the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), six amphibious excavators will now be available for weed clearance and channel dredging across the state,” he stated.
He explained that this deployment would accelerate ongoing work and build on the 180 kilometers of desilted waterways to improve water flow and reduce flood risks.
The governor emphasized that the initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to environmental protection, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and community participation in local development.
He added that the program aligns with his administration’s 12-point agenda, especially on community involvement, environmental sustainability, inclusive development, and effective land and natural resource management.
“While this effort is broad, it specifically aims to protect riverine communities and waterways from invasive aquatic weeds, which increase the risk of flooding, farmland loss, and livelihood disruption.
“It also reflects my inaugural pledge to prioritize environmental sustainability through natural resource conservation, strengthening agro-climatic resilience, and safeguarding livelihoods from environmental degradation,” he said.
Dr. Nura Ibrahim, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, stated that the intervention focuses on empowering CBOs with tools and materials to participate in aquatic weed management and environmental conservation.
Ibrahim highlighted that aquatic weeds damage rivers and water bodies by blocking channels, hindering fishing and farming, and reducing wetland productivity.
“These weeds threaten the livelihoods of many families dependent on these resources.
“The tools distributed today are more than just equipment—they represent an investment in our communities and a practical step toward protecting waterways and promoting a cleaner environment,” he explained.
He urged organizations to collaborate with government agencies, traditional leaders, and community members to ensure the program’s success and sustainability.
The tools distributed include 1,000 sacks, 25 canoes, 1,000 sickles, 500 cutlasses, 500 shovels, 500 head pans, 300 hoes, and 200 axes, among others.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 17 local government areas and 148 communities across Jigawa as moderate flood risk zones for the 2026 rainy season.
