Oluwatobi Adu 
GOMBE, Nigeria – The Nigerian federal government has pledged ongoing support to mitigate the environmental and economic hardships faced by communities near hydroelectric dams in Gombe State, emphasizing the role of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) in addressing these issues.
This assurance came during a meeting in Gombe on Saturday, where HYPPADEC’s Managing Director, Abubakar Sadiq, met with the state’s Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, to discuss collaborative efforts in alleviating the burdens on local residents.
Sadiq highlighted that although the country gains immensely from hydropower, the host communities endure substantial challenges, including ecological damage and disruptions to daily life, prompting the creation of HYPPADEC to intervene across member states.
According to him, it is the commission’s sacred duty to ensure that these communities do not suffer in silence, while the nation prospers from their sacrifices.
Since Gombe joined HYPPADEC due to the Dadin Kowa Hydropower Dam, the commission has rolled out various projects, such as distributing 1,100 life jackets for water safety, providing a flying boat for emergency use in Kupto Community, installing 34 solar streetlights, and building 16 solar-powered boreholes to enhance access to clean water.
Further initiatives include clearing 40,000 linear meters of drainage to reduce flooding, constructing classroom blocks in Dukku, Nafada, and Yamaltu Deba, supporting 30 students with exam fees, and planning to distribute 45 power tillers to boost farming, all aimed at fostering long-term resilience against environmental threats.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Hussaini Ibrahim 