NEDC Provides N3 Billion Support for Maiduguri Flood Victims

By Tijjani Usman Bello, Maiduguri 

The Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has approved a 3 billion Naira fund to assist SMEs affected by the recent flooding disaster in Maiduguri, Borno State and help restore their economic activities.

This was announced when the Managing Director of the NEDC, Alhaji Muhammadu Goni Alkali, visited Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to offer support and sympathy.

During the visit, Alkali highlighted the significant economic disruption caused by the floods, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Additionally, the NEDC has allocated 50 million Naira for the cleaning and rehabilitation of the Shehuri Palace in Borno.

The Commission will also provide immediate relief materials, including 20,000 bags of rice, 20,000 cartons of macaroni, 10,000 cartons of vegetable oil, and services such as cleaning, water hygiene, sanitation, and fumigation. Furthermore, NEDC will participate in the rehabilitation of the Alau Dam.

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The Chairman of the NEDC, General Poul Tarfa (Rtrd), expressed condolences and sympathy to the people and government of Borno, commending Governor Zulum for his leadership and resilience. He also prayed for an end to the calamities affecting the region, describing the incident as a test of destiny and an act of God.

Governor Zulum thanked the NEDC for their support and stressed the need for coordinated efforts between the Commission and the state government to manage the disaster.

He also urged the NEDC to reassess and enhance its humanitarian policies to better address the state’s ongoing challenges, including the impacts of Boko Haram insurgency and recent flooding.

The Commission had earlier visited His Royal Highness The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Doctor Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-kanemi, to express condolences and seek prayers to prevent future occurrences of such disasters.