Kaduna Unveils N34bn erosion control project to tackle decades-long environmental challenge

Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, has unveiled a ₦34 billion intervention project aimed at addressing the long-standing gully erosion and environmental degradation affecting Rigasa and neighbouring communities in Kaduna South and Igabi Local Government Areas.

The project, to be implemented through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, is expected to cover a 17 Kilometer corridor and provide a lasting solution to environmental challenges that have persisted in the area for over three decades.

Speaking after inspecting the project site, the governor described the erosion as a major environmental threat that had resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of livelihoods in affected communities.

He said the intervention was designed not only to control erosion but also to reclaim degraded land, restore livelihoods and improve environmental safety.

According to him, the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to improving living conditions and protecting vulnerable communities from environmental risks.

“This intervention goes beyond environmental remediation. It is aimed at safeguarding lives, supporting livelihoods, creating opportunities and ensuring safer and healthier communities,” he said.

Uba Sani disclosed that funding had been secured for the project, adding that groundbreaking would commence within two weeks, while completion is projected within 18 months.

The governor further stated that although the project would affect more than 1,200 households, the state government had made provisions exceeding ₦2 billion to support compensation and resettlement.

He said the investment underscored government’s resolve to provide sustainable solutions to long-standing developmental challenges.

According to him, the project is also expected to stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities and positively impact more than two million residents and businesses within the project corridor.

“For many years, erosion shaped the realities of these communities. This intervention marks the beginning of a new phase of recovery, environmental restoration and economic opportunity,” the governor said.

Residents of the affected communities welcomed the development and expressed optimism that the intervention would bring lasting relief.

A community leader, Yusuf Wada Muhammad, said the erosion had caused extensive hardship over the years, leading to the destruction of homes, farmlands and valuable property.

He noted that previous efforts had not adequately addressed the scale of the challenge.

Muhammad said the governor’s visit and the announcement of the intervention had renewed residents’ confidence that the environmental challenge would finally receive lasting attention.