Sokoto: 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi, who is also the Chairman of the Disaster Response Coordinating Committee in the state, shared that the government is aware of the 2025 predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). A stakeholders’ meeting was convened, including the Commissioner for Environment and representatives from relevant agencies and security organizations, to discuss the forecast.
The committee has refined programs and response mechanisms aimed at averting floods, ensuring timely planting of crops, and providing necessary seedlings to safeguard lives and properties. Abdullahi emphasized the importance of public warnings against tree felling, indiscriminate waste disposal in waterways, and unprofessional building constructions. Local government authorities, traditional institutions, farmers’ groups, and other stakeholders have been briefed on these strategies for effective dissemination.
Mr. Abubakar Umar, Head of NIHSA in Sokoto State, stated that the agency plans to collaborate with the state ministries of environment, water resources, and agriculture for seamless coordination. He recalled the severe flooding incidents in 2012, 2018, and 2022, highlighting the significant rainfall and river flows that contributed to these events.
The 2025 predictions indicate expected floods in several local government areas, including Goronyo, Tangaza, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Rabah, Silame, Wamakko, Kebbe, Yabo, and Shagari. In 2022, flooding affected 32 states, with Sokoto State experiencing substantial impacts on people, homes, and farmlands.
Malam Yawale Baba, Head of NiMET in Sokoto State, mentioned that the agency ensures the prompt dissemination of weather and climate information, simplifying it in local languages for better understanding and action. Mr. Tukur Abubakar, Head of Operations at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), emphasized the importance of public sensitization against human activities that exacerbate flooding.
NEMA organized critical stakeholders’ meetings to address the predicted heavy rains, urging collaboration on mitigation strategies and public awareness to maintain a cleaner environment and avert flood-related disasters.