DUTSE, NIGERIA — The Federal and Jigawa State governments have commenced the distribution of relief materials and livelihood-support equipment to households affected by the 2025 floods, in a renewed effort to ease hardship and help residents recover from the disaster.
The intervention, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and coordinated through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), is expected to benefit approximately 700 households in Jigawa State.
Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal D. Sankara, disclosed the development during the flag-off of the distribution exercise in Dutse. He said the assistance was part of the Federal Government’s Special Intervention on Post-2025 Flood Disaster Relief Assistance to States.
According to Sankara, the programme is intended to reduce the difficulties faced by affected families while supporting their efforts to rebuild livelihoods and return to productive activities.
The relief package includes 500 bags of 25-kilogram rice, 250 cartons of spaghetti, 500 foam mattresses, 250 cartons of vegetable oil, 250 nylon mats and 250 blankets. The food and household items are expected to provide immediate support to families whose homes and sources of livelihood were affected by flooding.
The intervention also includes equipment aimed at helping beneficiaries restore income-generating activities. Sankara listed 54 pumping machines, 48 grinding machines, 40 sewing machines and 10 cargo tricycles among the items provided.
The equipment could assist affected farmers and small-scale business operators in resuming work and rebuilding their economic stability after the disaster.
Sankara commended President Tinubu for approving the assistance, describing it as a demonstration of concern for the welfare of Nigerians affected by natural disasters. He said the federal intervention would complement the Jigawa State Government’s earlier response to the flooding.
The commissioner recalled that the state government, through the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), had previously distributed relief materials to affected residents. The state reportedly provided more than 11,000 bags of rice, beans and maize, alongside cash assistance and other food items.
Agricultural inputs, including improved seeds, were also distributed to farmers to support the resumption of cultivation and strengthen food security.
The latest distribution was conducted with the participation of NEMA and SEMA, alongside representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Nigerian Red Cross and security agencies.
Those involved included the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The intervention highlights the role of coordinated federal and state disaster-response efforts in supporting communities affected by flooding. While relief supplies can help address immediate needs, livelihood assistance is also important in enabling affected households to recover beyond the initial emergency period.
Authorities say the additional support is intended to ease the impact of the floods and help vulnerable families rebuild their lives.
