Tinubu announces disaster relief fund for flood victims in Borno

President Bola Tinubu announced on Monday that the Federal Government would establish a disaster relief fund to support Nigerians affected by floods and other natural disasters.

Tinubu made the statement during his visit to Borno State to express sympathy over the recent flooding caused by Alau Dam. Given the growing unpredictability of the climate and the increasing vulnerability of many regions in the country, he emphasised the need for such a fund.

The President stated that the Federal Government would partner with the private sector to create the relief fund. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied the President, confirmed that the National Assembly would work with the Executive to ensure the fund’s establishment.

During his visit, Tinubu met with the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi, toured an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Government Secondary School in Maiduguri, and drove through the flood-affected areas.

Reflecting on the situation, Tinubu said, “There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to collaborate with us and help rebuild the affected areas. If we allocate a small percentage from FAAC towards this fund, it will activate and strengthen our sense of national unity.”

He also thanked the governors of Kwara, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kogi States for their support to Borno. Additionally, he commended the efforts of ministries, agencies, security forces, and international organizations involved in the evacuation and relief efforts in the state.