Borno Governor Seeks N61b Supplementary Budget for Flood Recovery

Breaking News: Borno Governor Seeks N61b Supplementary Budget for Flood Recovery

Maiduguri, Borno State - October 5, 2024: In a bid to address the devastating impact of the recent floods that ravaged Borno State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has submitted a request for an additional N61 billion to the State House of Assembly. This supplementary budget, if approved, will be added to the existing N358.7 billion budget for 2024.

The Governor's request, as announced by the Speaker of the House, Abdulkarim Lawan, aims to amend the 2024 appropriation act. The additional funds will be allocated specifically for the reconstruction of critical infrastructure that was severely damaged by the September 10 floods. These floods affected nearly 2 million people and completely submerged parts of Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas.

Beyond infrastructure repair, the supplementary budget will also cover other essential government expenditures. These include:

• Emergency relief and humanitarian aid: Providing immediate assistance to flood victims in the form of food, shelter, and medical care.
• Support to farmers: Helping farmers recover from the damage caused to their crops and livelihoods.
• Economic recovery: Implementing measures to revitalize the local economy, which has been severely impacted by the floods.
• Environmental management: Addressing the long-term environmental consequences of the floods and implementing sustainable practices to prevent future disasters.

Governor Zulum, who personally conducted an assessment of the flood damage, emphasized the extent of the devastation. The floods destroyed bridges, roads, and hospitals, leaving many communities in dire straits.

The Borno State House of Assembly has expressed its condolences to the flood victims and commended the efforts of individuals, organizations, and government agencies in providing relief. They have called on the State Government to prioritize the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and ensure that the supplementary budget is used effectively to address the needs of the affected population.

As the State Government awaits the approval of the supplementary budget, residents of Borno State are hoping for a swift recovery from this natural disaster. The additional funds will be crucial in rebuilding their communities and ensuring that they can return to their normal lives.