The Jigawa State Government has invested ₦13 billion Naira in major gully erosion control projects aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from environmental degradation and its impact on lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure. The investment includes a ₦10 billion intervention in collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project……
The Jigawa State Government has invested ₦13 billion Naira in major gully erosion control projects aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from environmental degradation and its impact on lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
The investment includes a ₦10 billion intervention in collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in Danmasara and Kalgo communities in Dutse Local Government Area, as well as the ongoing ₦3 billion Kila Town gully erosion control project in Gwaram Local Government Area.
Governor Umar Namadi disclosed this during an inspection of the Kila erosion control project, where he directed the contractor to expand the scope of work to ensure a more sustainable and long-lasting solution to the environmental challenge.
The Kila project, which was initially awarded at about ₦2.6 billion, has been increased to nearly ₦3 billion following the governor’s directive for additional reinforcement works, including extending stone pitching and strengthening drainage channels.
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Governor Namadi said the expansion became necessary to improve the durability of the project and provide stronger protection for residents who have lived with the threat of gully erosion for more than a decade.
“For many years, the people of Kila have faced the devastating impact of gully erosion, which has affected their land, livelihoods and safety. As a government, we must take practical steps to protect lives and property by addressing environmental challenges,” the governor said.
While inspecting the project, the governor expressed satisfaction with the progress of work but directed the contractor to reinforce additional sections to ensure the intervention stands the test of time.
He described gully erosion as a serious environmental challenge that continues to threaten communities, destroy farmland and damage infrastructure, stressing that the government’s approach is focused on providing lasting solutions rather than temporary measures.
Governor Namadi also disclosed that the state government is engaging with the Ecological Project Office to attract further federal support and expand erosion control interventions to other affected communities across Jigawa.
According to him, the success of ongoing projects in Danmasara and Kalgo communities under the ACReSAL programme has demonstrated the importance of partnerships in addressing environmental challenges.
Beyond erosion control, Governor Namadi inspected ongoing infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of bridges along the Gwaram–Basirka Road, as part of efforts to monitor the quality and progress of government projects across the state.
Environmental experts have warned that climate change, changing rainfall patterns and poor drainage systems are increasing the risk of gully erosion in many parts of Nigeria, making investments in climate-resilient infrastructure essential.
For residents of Kila Town, the expanded project represents renewed hope that years of erosion-related damage and uncertainty could soon become a thing of the past.
