Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has created a high-level committee to ensure the transparent distribution of relief funds and materials for victims of recent devastating floods in the state. The floods, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam after heavy rains, have displaced over 414,000 people and resulted in multiple fatalities.
The newly formed committee, announced on Sunday by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani, includes representatives from key anti-corruption and security agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS). Their involvement aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of relief resources.
The committee is chaired by Baba Gujubawu, the Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, with Professor Ibrahim Umara from the University of Maiduguri serving as co-chairman. Other members include representatives from Civil Society Organizations, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), development and humanitarian agencies, and His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno.
Governor Zulum emphasized the need for integrity and dedication from the committee, highlighting the critical role they play in assisting the flood-affected communities.
International efforts are also underway to provide assistance. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), with $3 million in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is supporting flood victims across the country. The U.S. government has also ramped up its humanitarian aid efforts in Maiduguri and other areas impacted by the disaster.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), this is the worst flood Borno State has experienced in the past 30 years.
News Editor