President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a massive allocation of N108 billion to support Nigerian states in addressing the impacts of natural disasters. Under this initiative, each state will receive N3 billion to bolster their response efforts in mitigating various environmental and humanitarian challenges.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, confirmed the receipt of the N3 billion allocated to the state, which is currently grappling with severe flooding in its capital, Maiduguri. The devastating floods, caused by the failure of the Alau Dam water channels, have displaced thousands of residents, destroyed homes, and disrupted economic activities.
Governor Zulum, speaking on the critical situation, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the timely intervention. “This funding will greatly enhance our capacity to manage the ongoing humanitarian crisis and provide much-needed relief to the affected communities. We are grateful for the President’s swift response to this disaster, which has overwhelmed our existing infrastructure and emergency resources.”
The flooding in Borno State has highlighted the vulnerability of the region to climate change and poor water management systems, with experts warning that further delay in addressing these issues could lead to even more devastating consequences.
In affirming President Tinubu’s commitment to disaster relief, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the administration’s dedication to collaborating with state governments. During a recent engagement, Shettima remarked, “The President has shown his zeal, willingness, and commitment to partner with the states in addressing these critical challenges. The approval of N3 billion for each state of the federation underscores his determination to ensure that all regions have a sense of inclusion in our collective efforts to combat these crises.”
This nationwide initiative aims to ensure that no state is left behind in the fight against natural disasters, with the funds expected to be used for immediate relief efforts, rebuilding infrastructure, and implementing long-term disaster management strategies.
As Borno State battles the ongoing flood crisis, the support from the Federal Government offers a glimmer of hope, providing vital resources to ease the suffering of the affected populations while planning for more sustainable solutions in the future.