By Khadija Kubau
The EduMedia Climate Reform on Health Initiative (e-MICH) has commended the Kaduna State Government for its swift response to concerns over the safety of the Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area.
The organisation also called for the inclusion of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in ongoing efforts to strengthen the dam’s safety, climate resilience and community preparedness.
In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communication, Dr. Hadiza Abdullahi, e-MICH welcomed the clarification issued by the Kaduna State Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure on August 20, 2026, following reports on social media alleging an imminent collapse of the dam.
e-MICH said the government’s clarification that there was currently no evidence of active structural failure was important in providing accurate information and preventing unnecessary panic among residents.
The organisation also commended plans to procure and install modern safety equipment, including automated water-level gauges, early-warning sirens and telemetry systems for round-the-clock monitoring.
It described the proposed joint technical inspection involving the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Kaduna State Government, alongside planned rehabilitation and community sensitisation, as important steps towards strengthening disaster preparedness and public safety.
However, e-MICH urged the state government to deliberately involve CSOs, particularly e-MICH and Climate Hub, in implementing and monitoring the proposed interventions.
According to the organisation, the participation of CSOs with expertise in climate change, environmental health, disaster-risk reduction, community engagement and public accountability would enhance transparency, community ownership and effective communication.
It called for a broader multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, technical experts, traditional institutions, affected communities, CSOs and the media.
The organisation noted that such collaboration would help translate technical information about the dam into accessible messages for downstream communities while creating channels for residents to report unusual developments and receive timely emergency information.
e-MICH stressed that dam safety should be treated not only as an infrastructure concern but also as a climate resilience, environmental and public health issue, particularly amid increasing climate variability and the risk of extreme rainfall.
It therefore urged the Kaduna State Government to institutionalise regular climate-risk and safety assessments of critical water infrastructure and strengthen collaboration with CSOs and community structures.
The organisation also advised residents downstream of Kangimi Dam to remain calm and vigilant, rely on verified information from competent authorities and promptly report any unusual developments to the relevant agencies.
“Prevention is indeed better than cure, but prevention is strongest when government, communities, civil society and technical experts work together,” e-MICH said.
Editing by Khadija Abdullahi Kubau
