Byline: Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria - August 19, 2025 (Series News Online)
The Committee constituted by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris to assess infrastructural damages caused by recent flooding has commenced its assignment across the state. The high-powered Committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Umar Faruq (Muslim), comprises representatives of key ministries and agencies.
The Committee's task is to inspect, document, and evaluate the extent of destruction, identify priority areas, estimate the cost of repairs, and recommend preventive measures against future disasters. On its first day of work, the Committee visited four local government areas: Birnin Kebbi (Makera/Kangiwa Road), Bunza (Bunza/Natsini Road and Maidahini/Bunza Road), Dandi (Fana/Dakingari Road), and Aljannare in Suru Local Government Area.
The visit was to make an on-the-spot assessment about the level of destruction to property and farmlands. Speaking on behalf of the Committee at Fana in Dandi Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Hon. Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, described the situation as dire. "Major bridges have completely collapsed with farmlands submerged, almost cutting off Kebbi State from other parts of the country," he said.
He further warned that the destruction would negatively affect food production and supply-chain across the nation. "The implications are enormous. Very critical bridges across the state have been entirely washed away, cutting off communities and threatening food supply chain. This is beyond damage, it is total collapse in many locations," he stressed, calling for urgent intervention from the Federal Government and international organizations.
The District Head of Fana, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Fana, appreciated the Governor for promptly dispatching the Committee. "We are grateful that the Governor has sent this Committee to assess the damage. The town is cut off by the flood, and we had to create a temporary passage for pedestrians and light vehicles," he said.
The Vice Chairman of Dandi Local Government, Hon. Isah Buma, also expressed gratitude to Governor Nasir Idris for donating N50 million and a consignment of rice as interim relief to people affected by the flood disaster.
The Committee's assessment will inform the state's plan to address the damage caused by the flood and prevent future disasters. The state government has expressed its commitment to supporting the affected communities and rebuilding the damaged infrastructure.
The Committee is made up of representatives from various ministries and agencies, including the Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi; Commissioner of Special Duties, Alhaji Zaiyanu Aliero; Special Adviser on Due Process, Alhaji Sirajo Garba Bagudo; Special Adviser on Power/Politics, Alhaji Kabiru Sani (Giant); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Arch. Saad Sakaba; Chairman of SEMA, Alhaji Bello Yakubu (Rilisco); and Director of Civil Engineering, Ministry of Works, Alhaji Sahabi Muhammad Tilli, who serves as Secretary.
Tags
Flooding