The Federal Executive Council has approved the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund designed to facilitate rapid and effective assistance to disaster victims nationwide.
This new initiative aims to enhance timely relief and recovery efforts across the country, providing streamlined support for communities impacted by floods, fires, and other emergencies.
During a briefing to State House Correspondents, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy announced that the fund will secure financial contributions from the three tiers of government as well as private sector stakeholders to aid flood victims.
Additionally, a Technical Committee has been formed to reassess the dams located throughout the nation, with a particular focus on the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State. The committee, chaired by the Minister of Water Resources, is tasked with evaluating the safety and functionality of these critical infrastructures.
Recent reports indicate that Maiduguri experienced severe flooding two weeks ago due to the failure of the Alau Dam, which plays a vital role in managing water flow for irrigation and drinking purposes. The National Emergency Management Agency has reported that over 70 percent of Maiduguri was submerged, displacing more than one million residents and resulting in 30 fatalities.
This proactive approach by the Federal Executive Council highlights the government’s commitment to disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary support during times of crisis.
