The Kaduna State Government has commenced large-scale dredging and expansion of waterways in flood-prone areas, as part of proactive measures to prevent a repeat of the devastating floods that crippled parts of the state in 2024.
The initiative follows early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which listed Kaduna among states likely to experience heavy rainfall, flash floods, and windstorms during the 2025 rainy season.
During an inspection of ongoing dredging works at Ifira, along the Kaduna International Airport Road in Igabi Local Government Area, the State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, said the government had identified and mapped out vulnerable locations for urgent intervention.
“This entire place was blocked before, but we have now opened up about 800 metres of the river,” Buba said. “It will ease water flow and help forestall disasters like the ones we witnessed last year. This road is a major route to the Kaduna International Airport. We cannot afford any disruption.”
He assured residents of the government’s commitment to ensuring a flood-free season and warned against indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainages and water channels.
To support enforcement, Buba disclosed that a mobile court, under the Kaduna Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA), has been set up to prosecute individuals caught dumping refuse into waterways.
The dredging operation is being supervised jointly by the Ministry of Environment, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other stakeholders.
Other flood-prone locations slated for similar interventions include parts of Zaria, Kafanchan, and sections of the state capital.
On the critical bridge linking Kaduna metropolis to the airport — previously threatened by erosion — the Commissioner reiterated government’s commitment: “We are doing everything humanly possible to avoid flood disasters this year.”
For Engineer Sanjay Sharma, Manager of Sun-Agro Soya Oil Refining Company in the area, the effort brings timely relief.
“Last year’s flooding was devastating. Many farmers lost their crops. This early intervention by the government is commendable,” he said.
Village Head of Ifira, Malam Balarabe Abubakar, also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for local farmers.
“Our farmlands used to be washed away every year. This project will save our harvests,” he said.
Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Officer of NEMA, Ikramat Umar Mohd, praised the state’s proactive efforts.
“This bridge is a critical asset. One of the best ways to manage disasters is to prevent them before they occur,” he noted.
