House of Representatives has declared a donation of ₦100 million to the Borno State Government, aimed at delivering immediate assistance to those affected by floods and supporting their recovery efforts.

 

The Nigerian House of Representatives has announced a donation of ₦100 million to the Borno State Government, aimed at providing immediate relief and support for communities affected by devastating floods in the state. The donation reflects the lawmakers’ commitment to delivering swift assistance to thousands of residents displaced or severely impacted by the widespread flooding that has wreaked havoc across parts of Borno.

This gesture from the House of Representatives comes at a critical time, as Borno State continues to grapple with the aftermath of heavy rains that caused rivers to overflow, flooding homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure. Thousands of families have been displaced, while many communities have lost homes, crops, and livestock—the primary means of livelihood for many in the region. The flooding has also raised concerns about health risks, including waterborne diseases, and the ability of local authorities to manage recovery efforts.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the importance of the federal government’s role in supporting states during emergencies and reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to aiding disaster-stricken communities. In his remarks, he expressed sympathy for the victims and called on all levels of government, as well as private organizations, to collaborate in addressing the humanitarian crisis.

"This donation of ₦100 million is a token of our solidarity with the people of Borno State during this difficult period. We understand the magnitude of the devastation, and we are committed to doing everything within our capacity to ensure that help reaches those in need," Abbas said. He urged other stakeholders to contribute to ongoing efforts to rebuild affected areas and restore livelihoods.

The funds donated by the House of Representatives are expected to be channeled toward immediate relief measures, including providing temporary shelter, food supplies, medical aid, and clean water to flood victims. Additionally, part of the donation will be allocated to recovery and rehabilitation projects aimed at helping communities rebuild their homes and infrastructure. The Borno State Government has already mobilized its emergency services and relief agencies to respond to the crisis, but the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources, making external support crucial.

Flooding in Nigeria, particularly in northern states like Borno, has become more frequent and severe in recent years, driven by a combination of climate change, poor drainage systems, and inadequate flood management infrastructure. Borno, already facing challenges due to the ongoing conflict with Boko Haram and insurgency-related displacement, has been particularly vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State expressed gratitude to the House of Representatives for their timely intervention. He noted that the donation would significantly aid in alleviating the suffering of the flood victims and speed up recovery efforts. Zulum also called on the federal government to continue improving flood mitigation strategies, such as constructing better drainage systems and reinforcing embankments, to prevent future disasters of this magnitude.

The Borno State government, in partnership with humanitarian organizations, has been working around the clock to provide aid to those displaced by the floods. However, the scope of the disaster has stretched resources thin, making it difficult to reach all affected areas. The ₦100 million donation will provide much-needed relief, but long-term solutions to the state's flooding challenges remain a top priority.

The House of Representatives' donation is also a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience-building in Nigeria. As climate change continues to intensify extreme weather events, federal, state, and local governments must collaborate to strengthen infrastructure, improve early warning systems, and educate communities about disaster risk reduction.

As the people of Borno continue to recover from the floods, the assistance from the House of Representatives is expected to bring hope and much-needed relief to affected families, offering a path toward rebuilding their homes and livelihoods. The donation is part of a broader effort by the government to address the humanitarian needs of flood victims across the country.