The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the creation of a Disaster Relief Fund to facilitate swift and effective response to victims of disasters across Nigeria. This new initiative is designed to ensure rapid relief and recovery efforts for communities impacted by emergencies such as floods, fires, and other natural or man-made disasters.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, during a press briefing at the State House in Abuja on Monday, following the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Edun explained that the Disaster Relief Fund will draw financial resources from all three tiers of government—federal, state, and local—as well as contributions from private sector players. The goal is to provide immediate support to those affected by disasters, particularly flood victims, whose communities often face devastating impacts.
Edun emphasized that the Fund is part of a broader effort by the government to address the growing need for coordinated disaster management.
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In recent years, Nigeria has seen an increase in the frequency and severity of disasters, particularly floods, which have displaced large populations, destroyed infrastructure, and caused significant economic losses. The Disaster Relief Fund is expected to streamline the provision of emergency aid, allowing for more efficient mobilization of resources and faster recovery times.
Additionally, the FEC has established a Technical Committee tasked with reassessing dams across the country, with a particular focus on the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State. The Alau Dam and its surrounding areas have been severely affected by floodwaters, resulting in widespread devastation.
Over 70 percent of Maiduguri was submerged by fast-moving floodwaters, leading to the displacement of over a million residents and causing at least 30 fatalities, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The Technical Committee, chaired by the Minister of Water Resources, Professor Joseph Utsev, will be responsible for evaluating the structural integrity of dams across Nigeria and recommending improvements to prevent future disasters.
The committee will include members from various governmental bodies and agencies, all focused on reducing the risks associated with flooding and other water-related disasters.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and response systems across the country.
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With climate change exacerbating the intensity of floods and other emergencies, the Disaster Relief Fund and the technical reassessment of dams represent proactive steps toward protecting vulnerable communities and mitigating future risks.
By pooling resources from government and private sector stakeholders, the fund aims to provide timely assistance and long-term recovery support to disaster-stricken areas, while the reassessment of critical infrastructure seeks to minimize future threats to life and property.
As the government moves forward with these plans, communities affected by recent disasters can anticipate more organized and effective support, ensuring that relief efforts reach those in need more quickly and efficiently.