Gov Namadi: FG Should Assess Environmental Impact Before Road Projects, As Jigawa Flood Links To Waterway's Blockage

Gov. Umar Namadi

By Salisu Ismail, Dutse 

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has calls on Nigeria's Federal Government to prioritize on 'Environmental Impact Assessment' on all contract especially the roads and other facilities projects across the country.

The Governor said this year's floods in some parts of the state is as a result of the blockage of waterways due to road project carried out by federal government in the state.

Governor Namadi made the call while members of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Fund, led by Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, visited him in his office as part of committee's tour to assess the state's ecological challenges.

Mr. Namadi explained that, this year's flooding has already impacted 14 local governments, resulting in significant losses in lives, homes, and farmlands in Jigawa state.

The governor stated that, the devastating effects of the 2024 floods, which affected over 40,000 people, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced thousands in the state.

Highlighting more on the Environmental Impact Assessment, the Governor cited the example of Kiyawa and Buji local government areas, which experienced flooding due to the lack of consideration on the environmental impact assessment before the Kano-Maiduguri highway's reconstruction.

He stressed the urgent need for federal assistance, particularly in environmental impact assessments for road projects to prevent flooding in communities.

The Governor therefore, expressed his commitment to works closely with the Federal Government and the Ecological Fund Committee to address Jigawa State's ecological challenges.

Earlier in him remark, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Fund Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji said that, the committee's visit is part of the federal government's effort to address climate change and promote food security under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Hon. Jaji explained that Jigawa State was selected for special intervention due to its severe ecological challenges, including desertification, garlic erosion and flooding.

"The committee's visit aims to shift from traditional approaches to effective, timely, and sustainable land management practices to combat ecological issues."

Hon. Jaji assured that, the committee's visit would yield positive outcomes for Jigawa State, with plans to recommend significant interventions to the Ecological Office of the Federal Government.