Following the August rains, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Kaduna Area Office, on Wednesday, took its flood control awareness campaign to Mashigin Da’a community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where it distributed life jackets.
As part of the campaign, the authority distributed 80 life jackets to boat riders to serve as safety kits for passengers crossing the river.
The Area Manager, Isah Aliyu, warned that blocked drains, illegal structures, and indiscriminate dumping of refuse along water corridors were turning seasonal rains into devastating floods.
“These practices threaten lives, destroy homes, contaminate water supply, and cripple livelihoods. Our collective action must start now,” he said.
Aliyu urged traditional and community leaders to promptly report blockages or encroachments to relevant agencies such as NIWA and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). He also advised boat operators and passengers to prioritise safety by wearing life jackets, avoiding travel during storms, abstaining from alcohol or drugs while navigating, and informing relatives of their travel routes and return times.
“Every trip carries risk, especially during this season. Safety is not negotiable; it is the lifeline that ensures everyone comes home alive. Your actions today can save lives tomorrow. Together, we can build a flood-resilient Kaduna by turning awareness into action,” he added.
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Abdulhamid Yazid, disclosed that the commission had donated 50 life jackets to safeguard lives and property.
He explained that the gesture was part of the commission’s mandate to support and develop riverine communities, especially those affected by hydro-dam activities.
“We are calling on beneficiaries to make judicious use of these life jackets because you cannot overemphasise their importance. They save lives, so they should be used responsibly,” he said.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders in the community commended NIWA for organising the programme, describing it as enlightening and educative.
Adamu Yusuf, the Sarkin Ruwa of the community, said he was now better informed about the dangers of waterway encroachment and how to report such issues to the appropriate authorities.
Also, a boat rider, Ayuba Mahmuda, who received a life jacket, noted that it would help protect passengers, most of whom cannot swim in the event of an emergency.
“We don’t have a water transport station where passengers can sit and wait for a boat or where riders can rest when exhausted,” he added.
