Bauchi Commissioner Calls for Collective Approach to Flood Management

By Aminu Harsanu Guyaba

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Yakubu Wanka, has emphasized the need for a collective and community-driven approach to flood disaster management. She made the call at a Stakeholders’ Engagement on Flood Disaster Sustainable Management Strategy held in Bauchi.

Wanka highlighted the devastating impact of flooding in the state, noting that Bauchi was the second most affected state in Nigeria in 2024, after Borno. She stressed that the consequences—ranging from loss of lives to destruction of livelihoods and socio-economic disruptions—require urgent and sustainable solutions.

With the theme “Building Resilience and Collaborative Solutions for Flood-Affected Communities,” Wanka urged stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and local communities, to work together in developing proactive and reactive strategies. She emphasized that an inclusive approach—where every stakeholder’s voice is considered—would strengthen flood management efforts.

The Commissioner also commended the commitment of various partners and encouraged participants to engage meaningfully, ensuring that the event leads to concrete action toward a disaster-resilient future.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Kirfi Local Government Area, Abdulqadir Umar Dewu, acknowledged the challenges faced by flood-prone communities like Kirfi. He called for increased support to help residents mitigate the impact of recurring floods.

Dewu also raised concerns over the slow pace of construction on the Kirfi-Gombe-Abba road, warning that the poor handling of the project by the construction company could worsen the situation for affected communities. He urged relevant authorities to ensure the road is completed with the required quality standards.

The meeting, which was the latest in a series of stakeholder engagements across Bauchi’s three senatorial zones, provided a platform for participants to share insights and recommendations ahead of the rainy season.

Several partners, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), North East Development Commission (NEDC), IOM UN Migration, Nigeria Red Cross, and Safer World Foundation, supported the program.

Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a crucial step in enhancing flood preparedness and ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary assistance.