Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to addressing flood control and sanitation, declaring both areas as central priorities in his government’s agenda.
Governor Namadi made this known during a courtesy visit by the National Task Group on Sanitation monitoring team to the Government House in Dutse.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the governor disclosed that the state’s Ministry of Environment, alongside a specially constituted Flood Mitigation Task Force, has been actively working to avert flooding across Jigawa.
“We have established task forces at both the state and local government levels. The state team includes external experts in water management who advise the government on best practices, while local task forces implement these recommendations by constructing barricades and other physical structures to divert floodwaters away from communities,” he explained.
Turning to sanitation, Namadi underscored the significance of sustaining the state’s Open Defecation-Free status, describing it as a major achievement that demands ongoing commitment and strategic investment.
“Achieving ODF status was not an easy feat. Maintaining it is even more challenging. I want to assure you that the Jigawa State Government has put in place comprehensive strategies, backed by strong political will and resources to ensure the sustainability of our ODF status,” Governor Namadi said.
To this end, he revealed that a Steering Committee and a Technical Committee, comprising seasoned professionals and senior government officials have been set up to drive and monitor sanitation and hygiene efforts across the state.
Namadi reiterated his government’s pledge to continue promoting sanitation, environmental sustainability, and public health, with the goal of setting a benchmark for other states in the country.
Speaking earlier, NTGS Team Leader Benson Attah praised Jigawa for attaining the ODF milestone, calling it a noteworthy achievement that should serve as inspiration for others.
He encouraged the state to sustain its progress through consistent governance, grassroots participation, and ongoing infrastructure development.
Attah further lauded the Namadi administration’s clear political commitment, emphasizing that it has created a conducive atmosphere for impactful Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene programmes.
