Long-Term Solutions Urgently Needed for Persistent Kaduna River Flooding
Residents of Tudun Wada, situated in the Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State, are making a fervent plea to both the Federal and State governments for decisive, long-term interventions to combat the perennial flooding that plagues their community. While acknowledging the importance of immediate relief efforts, the community stresses that these measures offer only temporary respite and fail to address the fundamental causes of their ongoing crisis.
The core of their appeal lies in two critical demands: the comprehensive dredging of the Kaduna River and the implementation of permanent evacuation or relocation plans for vulnerable households. For over three decades, the community has endured a recurring cycle of displacement, destruction of homes, and disruption of livelihoods with each rainy season. Despite the efforts of agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Red Cross, residents feel trapped in a loop of devastation and recovery, with the root causes of the flooding remaining unaddressed.
Addressing the Root Causes: Dredging and Waste Management
A significant concern raised by residents is the accumulation of refuse in and around the river. They point to illegal dumpsites along the riverbanks as a major contributing factor, exacerbating blockages and posing serious health risks.
Nassim Suleiman, a resident of Tudun Wada for over 30 years, described the flooding as a “painful routine that authorities can no longer ignore.” He articulated the community’s needs clearly: “This has been happening for more than 30 years. All we want is for the government to expand the river path. When the water comes, the refuse from the dumpsites enters our houses. If the river is dredged and the dumpsites cleared, this suffering will reduce.” He further emphasized that while agencies like NEMA are effective in raising awareness, governmental action is crucial for clearing dumpsites and dredging the river to alleviate their annual suffering.
Seeking Permanent Shelter and Security
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the residents are also calling for a fundamental shift in how they are supported during flood events. The current practice of temporary evacuation, while necessary, leaves them vulnerable to returning to the same dangerous conditions year after year.
Fatima Mustapha shared her frustration, stating, “Every year we are evacuated, and every year we return to the same danger. We are not asking for food or blankets anymore. We want a place where our children can live without fear when it rains. We are appealing to the government generally to find a way of relocating us to a safer ground and maybe do what they want to do with this environment.” This sentiment highlights a deep-seated desire for security and a stable environment for future generations.
Husseina Liman echoed this plea, emphasizing the need for a lasting solution. “We are appealing to the government that they should find a lasting solution to this problem and help us because we are really suffering. The floodwater usually washes away our property every year, and we cannot keep buying new blankets and mattresses every year. Food is our priority and not blankets,” she noted. The recurring loss of property underscores the economic burden placed on these families, who struggle to rebuild their lives with each inundation.
The Role of Emergency Agencies and Future Preparedness
In response to the ongoing challenges, NEMA’s North West Zonal Director, Sani Lokoja, highlighted the agency’s commitment to enhancing disaster risk reduction. “We will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies, including the Kaduna State Government, to ensure that we mitigate and prevent disaster risks across the country. We will make sure communities become resilient and prepared for any emergency because disasters do not give notice before they happen,” he stated. NEMA is focused on deepening simulation exercises and advocacy to ensure communities receive timely support that reduces disaster risks.
The Kaduna Red Cross official, Tijani Inuwa, underscored the importance of effective coordination among emergency responders. He noted that in 2025, a well-coordinated effort between the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency and NEMA was instrumental in preventing casualties and ensuring resident safety. “The people taken to the camp stayed for four days and were fed well, while medical personnel attended to the sick,” he reported. However, Inuwa also reiterated the need for permanent solutions, recommending the relocation of residents and the dredging of the river, stating, “This problem has lasted over 30 years. The people are used to it, but it should not continue like this.”
National Flood Statistics Paint a Grim Picture
The plight of Tudun Wada is symptomatic of a larger national crisis. According to NEMA data as of November 4, 2025, a staggering 433,578 individuals across 27 states and 123 local government areas were affected by flooding. The floods resulted in the displacement of 144,790 people, with 241 lives lost, 839 injuries, and 115 individuals missing nationwide. The disaster also inflicted severe damage, with 52,509 houses impacted and 74,767 hectares of farmland destroyed, leaving countless households without shelter and their livelihoods in ruins. The demographic breakdown reveals that men, women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities were all significantly affected, underscoring the widespread impact of these natural disasters. In Kaduna State alone, 24,240 persons were affected, and 1,237 were displaced. These figures highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable flood management strategies at both local and national levels.
