Lawmakers React Following Request to Remove N300bn from Gov’t Purse for Borno Flood Victims

The House of Representatives has rejected a move to allocate N300 billion from the federation account to support victims of the devastating flood in Borno State.

It can be recalled that the flood, which was due to the collapse of the Alau Dam, claimed over 40 lives and severely damaged critical infrastructure, including the Palace of the Shehu of Borno and the Maiduguri Correctional Centre.

On Wednesday in plenary, Amos Magaji, the representative for Jaba/Zangon/Kataf Federal Constituency, moved a motion of urgent public importance.

He emphasized that the flood has rendered the Maiduguri University Teaching Hospital inaccessible, damaging its renowned Cancer Centre and destroying medical records.

“The people of Borno State are at great risk of succumbing to any disease outbreak resulting from the flooding,” Magaji warned. “Houses, markets, and many health facilities were affected. The tertiary health institution is no longer accessible for use by the public.”

Yusuf Gagdi, representative for Kanke/Pankshin/Kanam Federal Constituency, Plateau State, described the tragedy as worrisome. “People have been displaced, and businesses lost. The government and well-meaning individuals have done a lot, but the gap left by this disaster cannot be fully addressed,” Gagdi said.

Borno lawmaker Ahmed Satomi expressed gratitude to contributors but emphasized the need for serious intervention. “We have received a lot of support, but the level of damage done is such that we need to tackle it headlong,” Satomi stated.

Inuwa Garba, representing Yamaltu Deba Federal Constituency, Gombe State, proposed an amendment to allocate N300 billion to cushion the humanitarian crisis.

However, lawmakers voted against the amendment, instead urging the Federal Government to provide support without specifying an amount.