Bauchi warns residents against building on waterways over flood risk

The Bauchi State Government has intensified flood preparedness measures following a flood alert issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), warning residents against building on waterways and dumping refuse in drainage channels to reduce the risk of flooding.

The Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Danlami Kawule, made the appeal on Tuesday during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on the 2026 flood preparedness and response organised by the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in Bauchi.

Mr Kawule said the engagement was aimed at sensitising critical stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional rulers and community representatives, on measures to protect lives and property ahead of the peak of the rainy season.

“Today, we are having a roundtable discussion with critical stakeholders to create awareness on how to protect ourselves from flooding. The key to protecting people from floods is awareness,” he said.

He explained that the government was relying on community leaders to help spread the flood prevention message across the state.

“That is why we invited religious leaders, traditional rulers and other organisations to discuss with them. We believe they will return to their communities, pass the message and work with us,” Mr Kawule added.

Residents urged to protect waterways

The commissioner urged residents to avoid activities that increase the risk of flooding, particularly the construction of buildings on natural waterways and indiscriminate waste disposal.

“The message is simple. We are asking people not to build on waterways and not to dump waste in drainage. These are some of the issues we discussed with stakeholders because they are essential to protecting lives and property,” he said.

Mr Kawule warned that anyone found violating environmental regulations would face sanctions in accordance with the law.

“There are agencies responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations. Anyone who refuses to follow the rules will be dealt with according to the law,” he stated.

Government activates response measures

Earlier, the Bauchi State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr Ibrahim Kabir, disclosed that Governor Bala Mohammed directed the immediate activation of flood response measures after the state received the National Flood Advisory issued by NIHSA on 22 July 2026.

Dr Kabir said the advisory identified Bauchi as the state with the highest number of flood-vulnerable locations in Nigeria.

He explained that the project’s awareness campaign had been expanded beyond government institutions to include religious organisations and community-based groups to strengthen grassroots preparedness.

“We have received encouraging feedback from participants. Many requested that we hold similar engagements in schools, markets, churches and other community centres, and we are committed to doing that,” Dr Kabir said.

Physical interventions approved

According to Dr Kabir, Governor Bala Mohammed has also approved physical intervention projects in communities identified as being at high risk of flooding.

“Beyond sensitisation, we now have the resources and approval to visit vulnerable areas and carry out physical interventions.

“As ACReSAL, our responsibility is to support relevant institutions such as the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency and other ministries to respond effectively to disasters,” he said.

He added that stronger collaboration among government agencies would improve disaster preparedness and reduce the impact of flooding across the state.

Dr Kabir revealed that NIHSA National Flood Advisory Alert No. NFA-2026-200 projected that Bauchi has 1,841 vulnerable communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets at risk of flooding, placing it ahead of Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.

“We received the prediction and immediately responded by engaging stakeholders at different levels. Although the alert came late, we felt it was important to act quickly because even a few minutes can change the entire situation,” Dr Kabir added.