Governor Malam Umar Namadi has announced plans to expand climate-resilient infrastructure in schools and health facilities across Jigawa State, as part of efforts to protect critical services from the growing threats of flooding and other climate shocks.
The Governor said this while speaking at the official launch of the UK–Nigeria Climate Resilience Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) Programme in Chamo town, Dutse Local Government Area.
The governor said Jigawa has suffered “catastrophic” damage over the years due to perennial floods that have destroyed roads, schools, health centres, livelihoods, and in many cases, lives.
“These floods disrupt education and health services, directly affecting our efforts to ensure that children survive, grow, learn, and fulfil their potentials,” Namadi said.
He disclosed that the first phase of the CRIBS programme had successfully renovated 90 schools and health facilities in pilot local government areas, including Chamo Primary School (established in 1960) and Chamo Primary Health Centre (established in 1965). For the first time in their history, he said, the facilities have been remodeled to withstand the impacts of climate change.
“About a quarter of the projects, comprising eleven health facilities and eleven schools, are spread across the three pilot LGAs. We hope to see a higher coverage in the second phase with more local governments and facilities included,” he said.
Governor Namadi assured development partners the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)of the state’s commitment to gradually scaling up the CRIBS initiative.
“This is a mark of our appreciation for these interventions and their long-term positive impacts. Many parts of our state remain at high risk of climate disasters, and we must protect our health and educational infrastructure,” the governor stated.
During the launch, both FCDO and UNICEF officials commended Jigawa as a model state in tackling malnutrition and advancing climate-resilient infrastructure.
Cynthia Rowe, FCDO Development Director, reaffirmed the UK’s confidence in Jigawa’s leadership, noting: “We have a 20-year partnership with Jigawa State. CRIBS provides a systematic approach to climate resilience, and we are keen to scale this across northern Nigeria.”
Similarly, UNICEF Country Representative Wafa Saeed Abdellatef praised Jigawa’s achievements in nutrition, sanitation, and climate resilience, describing it as “the first state in Nigeria to achieve and sustain Open Defecation-Free status” and commending its innovative “Masaki initiative” for treating malnutrition in children under five.
Governor Namadi described FCDO and UNICEF as Jigawa’s “most consistent and enduring partners,” whose support has remained strong even as technical assistance wanes elsewhere.
“As we look forward to greater commitments in CRIBS and other programs, we will remain ever thankful,” the governor said.
