The Federal Government has unveiled plans to allocate N3 billion to all states to help mitigate the effects of the recent flood disaster.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, during a press briefing at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, following his inspection of flood-affected areas in Kebbi State, according to Nairametrics.
Edun stated, “I would like to announce that the National Economic Council has proactively decided to allocate N3 billion to support all states across the federation and the FCT in mitigating the effects of flooding this year.
“That will put many states like Kebbi in a good position to be able to prepare their farmers to the all-important dry season farming, which we anticipate will be successful, well planned and well implemented.”
He emphasized that the initiative would help lower inflation and stabilize the economy by ensuring food availability at affordable prices.
He also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to supporting the state’s efforts in maintaining security, enhancing resilience, and boosting productivity, ultimately strengthening its role as Nigeria’s food basket.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, expressed concern that the recent flooding had impacted many local governments more severely than he had observed during a recent visit.
Despite this, he commended the resilience and determination of the people of Kebbi and assured that they would be mobilized to achieve better results during the upcoming dry season farming.
Bagudu also revealed that, alongside the N3 billion support, the federal government had approved the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund. This fund will finance various projects, including the Badagry-Sokoto road.
Governor Nasir Idris appealed to the federal government for aid, noting that many rice farmlands in Kebbi have been submerged by flooding.
He highlighted recent visits to Wacot Rice Mill and Matan Fada in Argungu, where the extent of the damage to rice fields was observed.
Emphasizing Kebbi’s pivotal role as Nigeria’s leading rice farming state, he stressed its importance to national agriculture.
Last week, the National Emergency Management Agency reported that recent flooding has destroyed approximately 16,000 hectares of farmlands across 27 states. The majority of the affected areas are in Nigeria’s food belt, particularly in the North Central and Northwest regions.
