By Ben Agande
Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan, assured Nigerians affected by flood that the Federal Government was prepared to do everything possible to mitigate the impact of the natural disaster.
In a nationwide broadcast, yesterday, President Jonathan announced the release of N17.6 billion as direct financial assistance to the affected states and some Federal Government agencies responsible for disaster management.
He also announced the constitution of a National Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation to assist the Federal Government raise funds to mitigate the pains and ensure the effective post-impact of rehabilitation of victims.
According to the President, the committee will be co-chaired by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, while Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr will serve as the Chief Fund Mobiliser.
Speaking on the money allocated for the mitigation of the effects of the flood on Nigerians, the President said states have been divided into categories with a view to releasing money to the most affected states.
Aerial view of flood submerged Delta communities
Funds distribution
He said while states will receive N13.3 billion, the Federal Government agencies will receive N4.3 billion.
He said while states will receive N13.3 billion, the Federal Government agencies will receive N4.3 billion.
He said: “All category A states will receive N500 million each; category B states, N400 million each; category C states, N300 million each, and category D states, N250 million each.”
Category A states include Oyo, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Adamawa, Delta, Bayelsa and Anambra, while Category B states include Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River, Edo, Lagos and Imo.
Category C states are: Kwara, Katsina, Gombe, Ogun, Ondo, Ebonyi, Abia and Rivers, while Category D states include, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Yobe, Enugu, Ekiti, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Borno and Federal Capital Territory.
The President said to further intensify their intervention activities, the following agencies of the Federal Government have also been allocated funds as follows: Ministry of Works, N2.6 billion; National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, N1.1 billion; Ministry of Environment, N350 million; National Commission for Refugees, N150 million; and technical committee on flood’s impact assessment, N100 million.
Expenditure
The President disclosed that NEMA has so far spent N1.314 billion to provide relief materials, while the Minister of Works has spent N556 million on the repair of collapsed bridges and the construction of by-passes. He added that the Minister of Environment has spent N95 million on sundry relief measures.
The President disclosed that NEMA has so far spent N1.314 billion to provide relief materials, while the Minister of Works has spent N556 million on the repair of collapsed bridges and the construction of by-passes. He added that the Minister of Environment has spent N95 million on sundry relief measures.
The President said the technical committee “will continue to go around the country, while the Vice President and I will also visit some of the affected communities.
“When we receive the committee’s final report, the Federal Government will further initiate medium and long term measures to check future flood disasters.
“In the mean time, relevant government agencies have intervened to provide relief to the affected persons in collaboration with the state governments.”
RELIEF COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Name Position
1. Alhaji Aliko Dangote Co-Chairman
2. Mr. Olisa Agbakoba Co-Chairman
3. Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. Chief Fund Mobiliser
4. Alhaji Karami Rabiu Member
5. Alhaji Mohammed Indimi Member
6. Ngo Hannatu Cholum Member
7. Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija Member
8. Prof. Dora Akunyili Member
9. Mr. Tony Elumelu Member
10. Secretary-General of Nigerian Red Cross Member
11. Representative of CAN Member
12. Representative of NSCIA Member
13. Representative of the UNDP Member
14. Representative of the European Union Member
15. Representative of DFID Member
16. Representative of USAID Member
17. Perm. Sec., Fed. Ministry of Environment Member
18. Perm. Sec., Fed. Min. of Water Resources Member
19. Perm. Sec., Federal Ministry of Works Member
20. Perm. Sec., Federal Ministry of Agriculture Member
21 Perm. Sec. Federal Ministry of Health Member
22 Perm. Sec., Federal Ministry of Finance Member
23. Perm. Sec., Fed. Ministry of National Planning Member
24. Director-General, NEMA Member
25. Ag. Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Member
26. Perm. Sec., Ecological Funds Office Member
27. Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties Member
28. Chairman, House Committee on Environment Member
29. Rep., Nigerian Union of Journalists Member
30. Rep., National Council of Women’s Societies Member
31. Mr. Tunde Lemo,(Representing CBN) Member
