The House of Representatives has dismissed a proposal from the Federal Government to allocate ₦300bn towards addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis in Borno State, following the devastating floods that ravaged Maiduguri, the state capital.
The PUNCH reported that the massive flooding was triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam, which claimed over 40 lives and inflicted significant damage on vital public structures.
Among those affected were the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, and the Maiduguri Correctional Centre.
Amos Magaji, representing the Jaba/Zangon Kataf Federal Constituency, raised the matter of national concern during a plenary session on Wednesday. He lamented the extensive destruction caused by the floods, which inundated residential areas, markets, and numerous healthcare facilities.
His motion emphasized the catastrophic impact on essential services in the state.
One of the most notable losses, as highlighted by Magaji, was the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, which became largely inaccessible due to the flooding.
“The renowned Cancer Centre, one of the largest in the country, was submerged, damaging high-end equipment. Wards, medical and administrative records, and power supplies were also severely affected,” he detailed.
This situation, he warned, could lead to severe health crises, including disease outbreaks, if immediate action is not taken.
In response, Inuwa Garba, a representative from Yamaltu Deba Federal Constituency in Gombe State, proposed an amendment calling on the Federal Government to approve a ₦300bn grant to mitigate the humanitarian disaster.
He reasoned that while private donations could help, a substantial federal grant was crucial to address the enormity of the situation.
“While individuals can continue to donate, the Federal Government should provide a special grant of about ₦300bn,” he stated.
However, when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called for a voice vote on Garba’s amendment, the proposal was overwhelmingly rejected by lawmakers. Instead, the House recommended that the Federal Government support the flood victims, though they refrained from committing to a specific sum. The argument for rejecting the ₦300bn proposal stemmed from the fact that donations from both government agencies and private citizens had already reached billions of Naira.
Yusuf Gagdi, representing Kanke/Pankshin/Kanam Federal Constituency in Plateau State, expressed grave concern over the magnitude of the disaster, remarking, “People have been displaced, and businesses lost. Despite the contributions, the gap left by this disaster cannot be fully addressed.” His statement underscored the long-term impact of the floods on Borno’s population and economy.
Similarly, Ahmed Satomi, representing Jere Federal Constituency in Borno, expressed appreciation for the support received so far but stressed that more robust interventions were needed to restore normalcy to the state.
Following the discussion, the House passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to prioritize the restoration of key institutions in Borno, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, and the Maiduguri Correctional Centre.
Additionally, the House mandated several committees—including those on Health Institutions, Power, Renewable Energy, Insurance and Actuarial Matters, and Legislative Compliance—to monitor and ensure adherence to the recommendations.
