From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has expressed its commitment to partnering with Plan International in developing a Multi-Hazard Anticipatory Action Framework that will strengthen the state’s preparedness and capacity to anticipate and act early in response to recurring hazards, including floods, drought, windstorms and disease outbreaks.
The commitment was expressed during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Plan International Nigeria to the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Engr. Aminu Usman.
The delegation introduced the Anticipatory Action initiative and discussed its relevance to strengthening disaster preparedness and response systems in the state.
Receiving the delegation, the Deputy Governor welcomed the initiative and affirmed the State Government’s readiness to work with Plan International, SEMA, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and other partners to develop a comprehensive framework tailored to Jigawa State’s specific risks and vulnerabilities.
He noted that the initiative is timely and aligns with the State Government’s priorities, particularly its focus on human capital development and environmental sustainability.
He also emphasised the importance of moving beyond a predominantly reactive approach to disaster management towards proactive preparedness and early action.
“We must act before crisis hits. Children and communities deserve to be protected in advance,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that Jigawa State faces recurring hazards that can disrupt communities, livelihoods, food security, health and essential services.
Against this backdrop, the proposed framework is intended to strengthen the link between risk information, early warning systems and timely action, enabling stakeholders to prepare and act before hazards reach critical levels.
“We believe that anticipatory action; acting before disaster strikes is the future. It saves lives, protects livelihoods and preserves public resources,” the Deputy Governor added.
As part of the proposed collaboration, the State Government identified eight priority areas for consideration in the development of the framework including :Early Warning and Data Integration, Pre-positioning of Relief and Medical Supplies, WASH and Flood Mitigation, Agriculture and Food Security, Education in Emergencies, Gender, Protection and Safeguarding, Local Government-Level Implementation, Youth Empowerment and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
“Together, these priority areas are intended to support a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to anticipatory action, while ensuring that preparedness measures are responsive to the risks and vulnerabilities experienced by communities across Jigawa State.
Speaking on behalf of Plan International Nigeria, Mr. Yinusa John Obetule explained that the proposed Anticipatory Action Framework would provide stakeholders with a common structure for identifying priority hazards, establishing appropriate early warning indicators and triggers, defining actions to be taken before hazards escalate, and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of government institutions and partners.
He noted that anticipatory action can help reduce the impact of disasters by enabling communities and institutions to take practical measures before a crisis occurs.
“Acting early can help communities protect lives, livelihoods and assets, maintain access to essential services, and reduce the scale of humanitarian needs following a disaster,” he said.
Obetule further emphasised that Plan International’s engagement is focused on supporting the State Government and relevant stakeholders to develop a locally owned and context-specific framework that strengthens existing disaster preparedness systems and complements the efforts of government and other partners.
The proposed collaboration will also provide an opportunity to strengthen coordination across government institutions and levels, while supporting clearer links between early warning information, agreed triggers and pre-emptive action.
The engagement marks an important step towards strengthening Jigawa State’s preparedness and resilience in the face of multiple hazards.
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