Tinubu approves N108B for States to combat natural disasters amid flooding

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N108 billion in emergency funds for states to tackle natural disasters, with each state allocated N3 billion.

This funding comes in response to severe flooding currently ravaging Northern states and concerns over erosion, particularly in the Southeast and Kaduna.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted more rainfall, increasing the likelihood of further flooding as the year progresses

In Borno State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum confirmed receiving N3 billion to address the humanitarian crisis caused by flooding, which has displaced over a million people following the collapse of Alau Dam water channels.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who temporarily relocated to Maiduguri to assist with relief efforts, has since returned to Abuja and met with House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to coordinate further disaster response efforts.

Shettima described the situation in Maiduguri as a “national calamity”.

Confirming the approval of Mr. President for the disaster management fund, Shettima told the speaker: “The President has shown his zeal, willingness and commitment to partner with the states towards addressing these issues.

“Recently, he approved the release of N3 billion to each state of the federation to address some of these challenges so that all parts of the federation should have buy-in and belonging.”

The speaker promised that the House would give all necessary support to assist the victims.

He said: “We in the National Assembly are looking all through to see what kind of support we will give to the people affected..

“Insha Allah, it will come to pass, and people will go back to their normal lives and businesses as if it did not happen because we and you will make sure that we provide all the palliatives for them to regain their means of livelihood.”

Shettima praised Abbas for his “stellar leadership in the National Assembly”, adding that despite having nearly 70 per cent of the members as newly sworn-in, the Speaker has been able to keep the flag flying.