President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the establishment of a disaster relief fund to aid Nigerian citizens affected by recent floods and other natural disasters. The announcement was made during his visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, where he addressed the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
During his visit to the Borno Government House, President Tinubu emphasized the critical need for this fund, citing the increasing unpredictability of climate change and its impact on Nigeria. He urged the private sector to contribute to the fund, aiming to strengthen relief efforts for the most vulnerable regions in the country.
Accompanied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu highlighted the National Assembly’s role in collaborating with the executive branch to establish and manage the disaster relief fund effectively. The fund is intended to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to respond to natural disasters and provide swift aid to affected citizens.
The President’s visit included a comprehensive tour of the affected areas, such as the Shehu of Borno’s palace, an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the Government Secondary School in Maiduguri, and a drive-through of the flood-stricken regions. This on-ground assessment aimed to demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis and understanding the extent of the devastation.
Reflecting on the impact of the flooding, President Tinubu proposed allocating a small percentage of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to the disaster relief fund. This initiative is intended to promote a collective sense of responsibility in mitigating the effects of such disasters. He expressed his sympathy to the affected communities in Borno, Yobe State, and other flood-affected areas, promising ongoing government support.
President Tinubu praised the efforts of governors from various states, including Kwara, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kogi, for their cross-party support in addressing the disaster. He emphasized Nigeria’s diversity as a strength and vowed to create a comprehensive recovery program to rebuild and strengthen the nation.
Commending Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State for his prompt response to the disaster, President Tinubu also acknowledged the Nigerian military’s Theatre Command for their successful evacuation operations. He recognized the contributions of various ministries, agencies, and international organizations involved in the relief efforts.
During his visit, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, thanked President Tinubu and called for an investigation into the cause of the Alau Dam’s collapse and overflow to prevent future incidents. The President’s visit reinforced the government’s commitment to addressing the immediate needs of disaster victims and implementing long-term solutions to mitigate future risks.
