Bauchi State launches flood preparedness drive, bans construction on waterways

The Bauchi State government activated a flood response after a national flood alert from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency identified the state as having the highest number of vulnerable locations. Officials reported that 1,862 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets could be affected by the 2026 rainy season.

Commissioner for Housing and Environment Danlami Kawule convened a one‑day stakeholder meeting with religious leaders, traditional rulers, development partners and community representatives to raise awareness and enforce regulations. Participants were urged not to build on waterways or dump waste in drains, with legal penalties for violations. The state’s Agro‑Climatic Resilience in Semi‑Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, coordinated by Dr Ibrahim Kabir, outlined a comprehensive preparedness framework that includes early‑warning systems, public sensitisation through mosques and churches, and coordinated emergency response across the 20 local government areas. Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration emphasized protecting lives and property ahead of the peak of the rainy season.