The groups warned that the deteriorating road network and inadequate drainage system could worsen the impact of flooding in the area, particularly during the peak of the rainy season. Blueprint reports
They made the appeal in an open letter dated August 29, 2026, addressed to Governor Sani and signed by the Convener of the two groups, Sharifudeen Ibrahim Muhammad.
The groups urged the governor to consider the rehabilitation and construction of roads and drainage channels in Badikko as an emergency intervention, stressing that the community occupies a strategic position in Kaduna State.
Government House, 44 NARH at risk
According to the groups, Badikko is not an ordinary residential community, as it hosts several important institutions and facilities that serve the state and beyond.
They specifically identified Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, the seat of the Kaduna state government; the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (44 NARH), a major military medical institution; and a section of Kaduna Polytechnic.
The groups argued that the poor state of roads in the area could affect access to these critical institutions, particularly if heavy rainfall triggers flooding and further damages the already deteriorating road network.
They expressed concern that prolonged inaction could result in the collapse of some of the remaining roads and the submergence of homes within the community.
The situation, they said, could also disrupt movement into and out of Government House, 44 NARH and Kaduna Polytechnic.
Community serves major commercial corridor
Beyond the institutions located within Badikko, the groups said the community also serves as an important transit corridor for residents of surrounding communities.
They listed Hayin Dan-Mani, Mahuta and Kurmin Mashi among communities whose residents pass through Badikko while commuting to commercial areas such as the Central Market and Old Panteka Market.
According to them, hundreds of thousands of residents rely on the routes for their daily commercial and economic activities.
They therefore, argued that the condition of the roads was not only a local community issue but one capable of affecting commerce and movement across parts of Kaduna metropolis.
The groups said potholes, erosion and the absence of proper asphalt overlay had made movement increasingly difficult, while inadequate drainage had compounded the problem.
Groups cite flood concerns
A major concern raised in the letter was the potential impact of flooding on Badikko.
The groups referenced this year’s flood alert forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), warning that the community could face serious flooding if adequate preventive measures were not implemented.
They urged the state government to act before the situation becomes critical, rather than waiting until roads, homes and public facilities have already been affected.
“If urgent action is not taken, we anticipate the complete collapse of the remaining roads, the submergence of homes, and disruption of access to Government House, 44 NARH, and Kaduna Polytechnic during the peak of the rainy season,” the groups stated.
They called for the construction of functional drainage systems alongside road rehabilitation, arguing that fixing roads without addressing drainage would leave the community vulnerable to repeated damage.
Five key areas of concern
The groups identified several sectors they said were already being affected by the poor infrastructure.
They said the condition of the roads was affecting vehicular access to Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House and could negatively impact governance and movement around the seat of government.
They also raised concerns over healthcare delivery at 44 NARH, noting that poor road conditions could delay the movement of patients, medical personnel and other users of the hospital.
Academic activities at Kaduna Polytechnic were also listed among the areas affected, with the groups saying flooding and bad roads could create difficulties for students and staff.
Economic activities were similarly affected as traders and commuters using the routes to the Central Market and Old Panteka Market contend with poor road conditions.
The groups further linked the infrastructure challenges to security, warning that bad roads could affect emergency response times and the general wellbeing of residents.
Appeal for immediate road construction
As part of their demands, BRG and PYF called on the governor to direct the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to conduct an immediate and comprehensive assessment of roads and drainage channels across Badikko.
They also urged the government to commence construction and rehabilitation of major roads within the community without further delay.
The groups specifically requested the construction of standard drainage systems as an emergency flood mitigation measure.
They further called for priority attention to roads leading to Government House, 44 NARH and Kaduna Polytechnic.
Access routes connecting Hayin Dan-Mani, Mahuta and Kurmin Mashi to the Central Market and Old Panteka were also identified as requiring urgent attention.
Groups seek meeting with government
The groups also requested a stakeholder engagement meeting with their leadership within seven days to discuss emergency intervention and implementation arrangements.
They said such engagement would provide an opportunity for the government and community stakeholders to assess the challenges and develop practical solutions.
The appeal was framed not only as a demand for infrastructure but also as a call to prevent what the groups described as a potentially serious humanitarian situation should flooding intensify.
Recall support for APC
In their letter, BRG and PYF also reminded Governor Sani of what they described as the community’s consistent support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2015.
They said residents of Badikko had demonstrated loyalty to the party and its governments and therefore expected the community to benefit from the dividends of democracy.
The groups said they believed the rehabilitation of Badikko’s infrastructure would be consistent with the governor’s “Kaduna for All” development agenda.
They expressed confidence in Sani’s leadership and commitment to inclusive development, urging him to give the request favourable and urgent consideration.
Groups warn against waiting for disaster
The central message of the appeal was that intervention should come before flooding and infrastructure failure become more severe.
Rather than waiting for roads to collapse, homes to be submerged or access to critical institutions disrupted, the groups want the state government to deploy emergency measures immediately.
They maintained that Badikko’s strategic importance to governance, healthcare, education, commerce and transportation justified urgent government attention.
The letter was copied to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Chairman of Kaduna South Local Government Area, member representing Kaduna South Federal Constituency, member representing Unguwan Sanusi Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, as well as the press.
The groups said they remained hopeful that the governor would respond positively to their appeal and initiate measures capable of addressing the road and drainage challenges before the anticipated heavy rains worsen the situation.
