The Federal Government on Tuesday flagged off a drainage and erosion control project in Jahun Local Government Area of Jigawa State, an area that has faced recurrent flooding and land degradation for years.
The project, implemented through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation under the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), is aimed at mitigating erosion, controlling floods and converting excess water into productive agricultural use.
Speaking at the ceremony in Jahun on 3 February 2026, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev said the intervention was designed to address long-standing environmental challenges that have disrupted livelihoods and damaged farmlands in the community.
“For decades, this community has endured the devastating effects of erosion and flooding. Today, I am pleased to say that this long-standing problem is being decisively addressed through the intervention of the Federal Government under the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA),” Utsev said.
He said the project goes beyond flood protection, noting that water previously responsible for destruction would be channelled for irrigation, supporting year-round farming and more stable food production. According to the minister, the approach aligns with the Federal Government’s broader focus on food security and economic growth.
Utsev also called on residents to safeguard the infrastructure once completed. “Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and build a more secure and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Representing the Jigawa State Governor, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, welcomed the federal intervention, describing flooding as a persistent problem in Jahun and surrounding communities. He said the project would help reduce annual losses linked to erosion and improve living conditions.
Gumel disclosed that the initiative includes a youth capacity-building component focused on drip irrigation techniques, adding that the state government expects the project to provide a long-term solution to flooding in the area.
The Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, said the project reflects the Federal Government’s push toward modern and integrated irrigation systems. He urged community members to support and maintain the facilities to ensure their sustainability.
Jahun Local Government Chairman, Hon. Jamilu Dan Mallah, delivered a welcome address at the event, which drew officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, traditional leaders, community representatives, women and youth groups.
A highlight of the flag-off ceremony was the graduation of youths trained in drip irrigation on rehabilitated land, signalling the practical rollout of the project’s agricultural component.
Flooding and erosion are recurring challenges across parts of northern Nigeria, often exacerbated by changing rainfall patterns and limited drainage infrastructure. Officials say projects such as the Jahun intervention are intended to reduce disaster risks while supporting local food production and employment.
