Independence

Borno flood: Switzerland Commits $1.2m in Aid to Victims 

Rahila Lassa, Abuja 

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The Government of Switzerland is committing a 1.2 million dollar funding for multi-sectoral assistance to flood victims in Nigeria.

Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Nicolas Lang announced this in a statement, noting that the move was in response to the devastation caused by the recent flooding in some States across Nigeria, especially in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, northeast of the country.

He said the funding support will be channeled through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund, which is managed by the United Nations.

“This contribution will complement the efforts of the Nigerian Government to respond to the crisis. Flood-affected people will be provided with multi-sectoral assistance to meet their immediate basic needs. This will include health, water and sanitation measures to prevent the spread of a cholera outbreak, temporary shelter, food security, as well as protection services”, Lang states.

Mr Lang noted with satisfaction Switzerland’s ability to contribute to alleviating the suffering of the people affected by the floods.

“This contribution to the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund will come in direct support of the Government’s efforts to provide immediate life-saving assistance. Providing such humanitarian support has been a key pillar of our close and longstanding relationship with Nigeria”. 

He further stated that the Government of Switzerland is also exploring ways to potentially assist efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness.

“With its ability to swiftly disburse funds and select the most relevant partners, including local organizations, I am confident that the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund will be an effective vehicle to provide immediate relief to the thousands of affected people in dire need of humanitarian assistance”

It would be recalled that on the 9th of September, 2024, the residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital were hit by a devastating flood following the eruption of Alau dam, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless, 70 percent of farmlands washed away and many missing.

 

Dominica Nwabufo

 

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