The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, shared some important news. The Federal Government has decided to spend over N350 billion on improving dams and expanding facilities all over Nigeria. This decision is part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund.
Bagudu talked about this after he visited former EFCC Chairman, Abdul-Rashid Bawa, to offer his condolences because Bawa’s mother had passed away in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.
He mentioned this after the flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, which forced many people to leave their homes. The President wants to take action to tackle climate change issues in Nigeria.
“Several measures have been approved by the president, beyond just releasing Federal Allocation Account money on time.
”The federal government gave N3 billion to each state to help with the flooding problem.
”Governor Nasiri Idris of Kebbi told me that the state has received its share of the fund.
”The federal government, during the Federal Executive Council meeting last week, approved over N350 billion from the President’s renewed hope infrastructure fund to improve dams and expand irrigation facilities,” Bagudu explained.
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Bagudu also said that the Federal Executive Council has agreed to spend N900 billion on the Kebbi section of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. He called this “the biggest contract given out by the current administration.”
He said they also approved building the Zaria Kala-Kala road in Koko/Besse Local Government Area. This road will connect with other projects, such as the Melando-Warra road in Birnin Yauri, Ngaski Local Government Area.
“Kebbi is very fortunate. We have a lot of projects in infrastructure, agriculture, animal husbandry, hospitals, and schools. These projects will help with the ongoing development in the state,” Bagudu added.
Important Facts
The recent flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, is the worst since 1994. Many homes are underwater, and people are on high alert as the water keeps rising. The flood happened because the Alau Dam overflowed after being full for a week.
In response, Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, announced a N3 billion relief package for the affected states.
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is also helping. They promised over $6.5 million to support relief efforts. These funds will go to local partners like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to help people in flood-affected areas in Nigeria.
Additionally, notable people like business tycoon Aliko Dangote and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have made big donations to help the people of Borno State during this crisis.