From Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi has reaffirmed the Jigawa State Government’s commitment to tackling the growing threat of erosion by increasing investment in the ongoing Kila Erosion Control Project to nearly ₦3 billion, describing the intervention as part of the administration’s efforts to protect lives, property, and vulnerable communities from the effects of environmental degradation.
The governor made this known on Friday while inspecting the ongoing erosion control project in Kila, alongside road and bridge projects in Gwaram Local Government Area, where he expressed satisfaction with the progress of work but directed the contractor to expand the scope of the project to improve its long-term effectiveness.
“You can see that gully erosion poses a serious threat, not only to land, but also to families, livelihoods, and entire communities. What we have seen today in Kila is a clear example of why government must continue to invest in erosion control,” he said.
“Kila is one of the oldest settlements in this emirate, and for more than a decade the community has lived under the constant threat of gully erosion, which has already consumed a significant portion of the town.”
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While commending the quality of work already executed, the governor instructed the contractor to reinforce additional sections of the project to ensure its durability.
“From what we have inspected today, we are satisfied with the progress of the work. The stone pitching and drainage construction are progressing well. However, I have directed the contractors to increase the extent of the stone pitching and reinforce additional sections of the drainage channels so that the project will stand the test of time.”
Governor Namadi said the people of Kila had lived with the devastating effects of erosion for many years, expressing confidence that the intervention would bring a lasting solution to the problem.
“Most importantly, we have seen how happy the people are with the intervention. This is part of the responsibility of government—to respond whenever our people face challenges that threaten their lives and property. The people of Kila have endured this problem for many years, and by the grace of Almighty Allah, we have intervened to address it. I am optimistic that once this project is completed, the erosion problem in Kila will become a thing of the past.”
The Governor disclosed that the State Government had already commenced discussions with the Ecological Project Office to strengthen collaboration on erosion control, while emphasising that the Government would continue to take proactive measures to protect affected communities.
“We have already initiated discussions with the Ecological Project Office, and they have been responding positively. However, we also believe that it is our responsibility as a state government to take practical steps instead of waiting.”
He noted that Jigawa State had already implemented major erosion control projects under the ACReSAL Project in Danmasara and Kalgo, with investments exceeding ₦10 billion, and said similar interventions would be extended to other communities facing erosion challenges.
“Now we have moved to Kila, and subsequently we intend to extend similar interventions to other affected communities across the state. We will continue our engagement with the Ecological Project Office and showcase what we have achieved, and I am confident they will respond positively by partnering with us to address erosion challenges in other parts of Jigawa State.”
Responding to questions on the cost of the project, Governor Namadi disclosed that the Kila erosion control project was initially valued at approximately ₦2.6 billion but explained that the additional reinforcement ordered during the inspection would increase the contract value to about ₦3 billion.
The governor also inspected the ongoing reconstruction of bridges along the Gwaram–Basirka Road and other road infrastructure projects in the area as part of his administration’s routine monitoring of capital projects.
