Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has established a high-level committee to manage the distribution of relief funds and materials for victims of the recent devastating floods in the state.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani, it was revealed that the committee would include representatives from critical anti-corruption and security agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS). Their involvement is intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the relief process.
The committee will be chaired by Baba Gujubawu, the Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, with Professor Ibrahim Umara from the University of Maiduguri serving as the co-chairman. Additionally, the committee comprises members from Civil Society Organisations, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and development and humanitarian partners, alongside His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno.
Governor Zulum urged the committee members to carry out their duties with utmost dedication and transparency, stressing the crucial role they play in alleviating the suffering of flood victims.
International organisations have also stepped in to support the flood relief efforts. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is utilizing $3 million in funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to aid recovery efforts across the country. This is part of a broader humanitarian response from the United States, which has ramped up aid to assist the thousands of people affected by the catastrophic floods in Maiduguri and other parts of Borno.
The recent floods, described as the worst in 30 years, have displaced over 414,000 people and claimed several lives. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the disaster was triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam following weeks of heavy rainfall, severely impacting the state’s capital and surrounding communities. The United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and local authorities have been actively involved in addressing the needs of the displaced.
