Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has received the final report from the flood relief disbursement committee, which revealed that approximately N18.08 billion was distributed to over 101,330 displaced families.
During the presentation at the Government House in Maiduguri on Monday, Baba Bukar Gujibawu, Chairman of the committee, outlined the fund’s disbursement. The N18.08 billion was distributed in cash to the affected households, along with food and non-food items. Significant contributions, totaling ₦4.3 billion from partners such as UNHCR, WFP, FAO, and UNDP, were crucial in meeting immediate needs.
Gujibawu reported that over one million people were impacted by the recent floods, with 101,330 households displaced. The disaster caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, farmlands, and led to the loss of lives. He noted that the committee received a total of ₦28.2 billion through a basket fund, supported by the Federal and State Governments, corporate entities, and individuals. This included a ₦10 billion contribution from the Borno State Government. Additionally, the committee received donations of drugs, medical supplies, food, and other essentials, valued at billions of naira.
The committee also allocated ₦987 million to assist 7,716 traders in affected markets, ₦313 million to 814 worship centers, ₦213 million to 267 private schools, ₦89.4 million to 1,788 youths who contributed during the flood, and ₦12.5 million to 22 private clinics. Gujibawu recommended that the remaining ₦4.45 billion be used to rehabilitate roads damaged by the floods, particularly in areas like Gongulong and Old Maiduguri. The remaining food and non-food items will be distributed to host communities.
Gujibawu expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum for his non-interference in the committee’s work and praised its members for their dedication and resilience.
Governor Zulum responded by assuring the committee that all recommendations would be implemented, including the immediate activation of a permanent disaster response structure at the state’s emergency management agency (SEMA). He also directed the Secretary to the State Government to develop a system for properly capturing street names and house numbers in all communities within Maiduguri and its surroundings. Additionally, the Governor instructed the Ministry of Works to begin the reconstruction of roads damaged by the floods.
Governor Zulum acknowledged the federal government’s substantial support for the flood victims and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership during the disaster. He commended the committee for its thorough work, stating, “In sha Allah, posterity will judge you positively.”
