President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of N108 billion to help states combat the effects of flooding and erosion.
Each state is set to receive N3 billion from the Federal Government as part of this intervention.
This funding comes at a critical time, as massive flooding has been ravaging Northern states, while many southern states remain at risk.
In addition to flooding, erosion is a major concern, particularly in the Southeast and parts of Kaduna, where the damage continues to escalate.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of more rainfall, predicting further flooding as the year progresses, which heightens the urgency for disaster relief efforts.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum recently confirmed that his state received N3 billion to address the flooding crisis following the collapse of the Alau Dam water channels.
He noted that over one million people have been displaced by the disaster, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who had temporarily relocated to Maiduguri to oversee relief efforts in Borno State, returned to the Presidential Villa where he met with House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
During their meeting, Shettima confirmed President Tinubu’s approval of the disaster management fund, expressed the administration’s commitment to partnering with states to address the crisis.
“The President has shown his zeal, willingness, and commitment to partner with the states towards addressing these issues,” Shettima stated. He added that the allocation is part of a broader strategy to ensure every part of the country is equipped to manage the impact of natural disasters.
Also, Speaker Abbas assured that the National Assembly would provide full support for those affected by the disasters. “We are looking into what kind of support we can provide to the people affected,” he said, promising that efforts would be made to restore normalcy to the lives of those displaced.
Shettima also commended the Speaker for his leadership in the National Assembly, despite the significant number of newly sworn-in members, and expressed confidence in the continued collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in tackling national challenges.
As states begin to receive the approved funds, there is hope that these efforts will alleviate the devastating impact of natural disasters and help displaced Nigerians rebuild their lives.
