Lawmakers reject proposed FG’s ₦300bn grant for Borno flood victims
The House of Representatives has rejected a proposal for a total sum of ₦300bn from the Federal Government to address the humanitarian crisis in Borno, following the flooding that swept through Maiduguri, the state capital.
The PUNCH reported that the heavy flooding, caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam, resulted in the deaths of over 40 people and severe damage to public institutions such as the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, and the Maiduguri Correctional Centre.
During the plenary on Wednesday, Amos Magaji, the member representing Jaba/Zangon Kataf Federal Constituency, raised a motion of urgent public importance, lamenting the impact of the flooding, which affected homes, markets, and numerous health facilities.
Magaji highlighted the devastation at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, noting that the facility is no longer accessible to the public.
He said, “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 warned that without urgent intervention, the people of Borno risk facing disease outbreaks resulting from the flooding.
Inuwa Garba, the member representing Yamaltu Deba Federal Constituency, Gombe State, proposed an amendment, urging the Federal Government to grant ₦300bn to flood victims to mitigate the humanitarian disaster.
“While individuals can continue to donate, the Federal Government should provide a special grant of about ₦300bn,” Inuwa said.
However, when the amendment was put to a voice vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, lawmakers voted against it. The House instead urged the Federal Government to support the victims as much as possible, without specifying an amount.
In rejecting Inuwa’s proposal, the House argued that government agencies and Nigerians have already made donations amounting to billions of Naira.
Yusuf Gagdi, the lawmaker representing Kanke/Pankshin/Kanam Federal Constituency, Plateau State, described the disaster as worrisome, saying, “People have been displaced, and businesses lost. Despite the contributions, the gap left by this disaster cannot be fully addressed.”
Ahmed Satomi, the lawmaker representing Jere Federal Constituency, Borno, expressed gratitude for the contributions made but stressed the need for a more serious intervention.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to address the needs of the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, renovate the Shehu of Borno Palace, the Maiduguri Correctional Centre, and other affected health facilities.
The House also mandated its Committees on Health Institutions, Power, Renewable Energy, Insurance and Actuarial Matters, and Legislative Compliance to ensure strict adherence.
