Borno State House of Assembly Passes ₦61 Billion Supplementary Budget to Address Flood Damage

 Borno State House of Assembly Passes ₦61 Billion Supplementary Budget to Address Flood Damage.

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On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, a significant event took place in the legislative history of Borno State as the House of Assembly passed a supplementary budget of sixty-one billion naira (₦61 billion). The budget, presented by the state’s governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, was crafted to address the damages caused by recent flooding across various parts of the state. The supplementary budget aims to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts for the areas affected by the devastating floods that have impacted numerous communities and infrastructures within Borno.

Budget Presentation and Legislative Approval

The approval process for this vital budget was initiated during a special session of the Borno State House of Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Abdulkarim Lawan. The Speaker, well-known for his decisive leadership in the assembly, ensured that the proceedings were carried out smoothly and efficiently. During the session, Hon. Mustapha Ali Benisheikh, the Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, presented the budget report to the assembly.

After the budget presentation, the House Leader, Hon. Dige Mohammed, moved a motion to deliberate on the supplementary budget in a committee of supply. This motion was seconded by Hon. Audu Mustapha, demonstrating widespread support for the budget within the assembly. Following thorough discussions and examination of the budget provisions, the House resumed its regular session, where Speaker Lawan formally announced the approval of the supplementary budget.

Breakdown of the Supplementary Budget

The sixty-one billion naira supplementary budget is a combination of two major funding sources. The state government will contribute twenty billion naira (₦20 billion) toward the relief efforts. Additionally, various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the state will collectively contribute forty-one billion naira (₦41 billion) to provide the remaining portion of the funding.

This financial package is targeted specifically at emergency relief, infrastructure repair, and long-term recovery programs aimed at alleviating the challenges caused by the flooding. Communities affected by the floods will benefit from this immediate response, which is expected to help restore normalcy and rebuild lives. The funding will focus on rehabilitating homes, reconstructing damaged infrastructure like roads and schools, and providing essential supplies and assistance to displaced residents.

The Flooding Crisis in Borno State

The floods in Borno State have caused widespread destruction in recent weeks, displacing many residents and damaging essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, markets, and hospitals. The flooding, which is a direct result of heavy rainfall and swollen rivers, has left thousands of people without homes, access to clean water, or basic health services.

Given the severity of the crisis, the passage of this supplementary budget was viewed as urgent and necessary to address the immediate needs of the flood victims and to mitigate further damage. Governor Zulum’s administration, known for its commitment to improving the lives of citizens, acted swiftly by drafting this budget to ensure that funds would be made available for relief efforts as soon as possible.

Speaker Lawan’s Leadership and Assembly’s Role

The role of the Borno State House of Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan has been instrumental in responding to the state’s challenges. In his capacity as the head of the assembly, Speaker Lawan has continuously shown dedication to addressing both urgent and long-term issues affecting the state. His leadership during this session, which resulted in the swift approval of the supplementary budget, reflects his commitment to supporting the executive branch in times of crisis.

After the approval of the budget, Speaker Lawan thanked all members of the House for their support and cooperation, noting that their unified stance in addressing the flooding crisis would help expedite relief to the affected communities. He emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the legislative and executive branches to ensure that the relief measures outlined in the budget are implemented effectively.

Visit to the Borno State Assembly Service Commission

In addition to the budget approval, Speaker Lawan, along with other members of the assembly, took time to visit the remodeled Borno State Assembly Service Commission. This visit was an important moment for the assembly, as it showcased the newly renovated facilities, which were funded by the administration of Governor Zulum.

During the visit, Chairman Ali Bulama Yajiwa of the Assembly Service Commission expressed his gratitude to Governor Zulum for his support in ensuring the renovation of the commission's facilities. He acknowledged that this was a much-needed improvement, highlighting the governor’s commitment to enhancing the working environment for members and staff of the commission.

Chairman Yajiwa further praised the Borno State House of Assembly for their ongoing support of the commission’s activities and their dedication to advancing the state’s legislative processes. He assured the Speaker and his colleagues that the remodeled facilities would help boost the efficiency and productivity of the assembly, as it provided a more conducive environment for lawmakers to carry out their responsibilities.

Looking Ahead: The Next Legislative Session

Following the passage of the supplementary budget, the Borno State House of Assembly adjourned its session until Thursday, October 10, 2024. The next session will likely focus on following up on the implementation of the relief programs funded by the supplementary budget, as well as other legislative matters crucial to the development of the state.

It is expected that the assembly will continue to prioritize policies and initiatives aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the people, especially in light of the recent natural disasters that have devastated many parts of the state. The passage of the supplementary budget is seen as a major step in that direction, and the government’s prompt response has been widely applauded by various stakeholders.

Conclusion

The approval of the sixty-one billion naira supplementary budget by the Borno State House of Assembly represents a critical move by the government to address the devastating effects of flooding in the state. Governor Zulum’s leadership in presenting this budget, combined with the cooperation of the House under Speaker Lawan, has laid the groundwork for effective disaster relief and recovery efforts.

This legislative action underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens and restoring normalcy in the wake of the floods. With a clear plan in place and funds allocated for relief programs, the people of Borno State can expect to see swift action in rebuilding their communities and recovering from the disaster.

As the House reconvenes on October 10, all eyes will be on how the implementation of the budget unfolds and the subsequent impact on flood-ravaged areas. Both the executive and legislative branches are expected to work hand-in-hand to ensure that the relief efforts are successful and that the funds are used effectively to bring much-needed assistance to those affected by the flooding.