Despite N2.57bn ecological fund, Jigawa faces worsening flood threats

Jigawa State received over ₦2.57bn from the Ecological Fund in 2026, yet authorities warn that flooding will hit several communities as the rainy season gathers pace. A breakdown of the disbursements from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation shows the state received ₦143.40m in January, ₦178.03m in February and ₦190.64m in March. […]

Jigawa State received over ₦2.57bn from the Ecological Fund in 2026, yet authorities warn that flooding will hit several communities as the rainy season gathers pace.

A breakdown of the disbursements from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation shows the state received ₦143.40m in January, ₦178.03m in February and ₦190.64m in March.

Allocations stood at ₦173.36m in April and the same amount in June, while ₦189.35m came in May.

The inflows rose to ₦220.19m in July and ₦255.28m in August, before peaking at ₦283.86m in September. Jigawa also received ₦234.45m in October, ₦262.27m in November and ₦269.38m in December, bringing the total to ₦2.57bn.

The Ecological Fund, a federal intervention pool, supports states in tackling flooding, erosion and other environmental threats through projects coordinated by the Ecological Project Office under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Despite these releases, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has flagged imminent flood risks across multiple local government areas.

In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary on Saturday, Hannafi Yakubu Fagam, the agency listed high-risk areas between April and June, including Guri, Kiri Kasamma, Hadejia, Auyo, Miga, Ringim, Kaugama, Kazaure, Dutse, Birnin Kudu, Gwaram, Gantsa and Malammadori.

SEMA said flooding will intensify between July and September, extending to Taura and Birniwa, and persist into October and November in communities such as Ringim, Miga, Auyo, Hadejia, Guri and Malammadori.

The agency urged residents to clear drainage systems, stop dumping refuse in waterways and avoid building or living in flood-prone areas. It also advised households to stock essential supplies and prepare evacuation plans.

Across the country, early signs of flooding have already emerged. On Saturday, heavy rainfall submerged Jalingo, leaving homes and schools underwater and displacing residents.

The Minister of Water Resources has also warned that at least 33 states face flood risks this year, signalling a potentially severe season.

The development raises fresh concerns over the impact of ecological fund spending, as states continue to face recurring flood threats despite receiving billions of naira for mitigation.

“Communities must remain vigilant and take responsibility for their safety as the rainy season approaches,” the SEMA statement said.

Editor’s note: This picture was used for illustration