The Federal Government, on Friday, reaffirmed its continued support to victims of flooding and insecurity across Nigeria, promising additional reliefs for severely affected states.

Vice President Kashim Shettima said both the federal and state governments, alongside the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were actively working to enhance support for displaced communities.

Shettima spoke during an assessment visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Gwada, Shiroro Local Council of Niger State, where he assured that the administration remains focused on effective governance and welfare of Nigerians beyond political considerations.

Shettima recalled that the Federal Government had already disbursed ₦3 billion to each state to address flooding issues.

He, however, emphasised that it was just the beginning of a more comprehensive support plan, saying, “this is just a tip of the iceberg as far as some states like Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Jigawa are concerned.”

The vice president explained that states’ eligibility to receive additional Federal Government support would be evidence-driven and based on detailed assessment of needs.

Earlier, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, informed the IDPs that Shettima had come to offer condolences and deliver some intervention items.

He also informed the vice president that the Gwada camp is one of 14 camps across the state housing those displaced by floods and insecurity.

Also, the Federal Government has issued a warning to the Niger Delta and southern states to brace for possible flood in the area, stating that the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri was caused by overflow of Nada River and not collapse of Alau dam as speculated.

At a press briefing in Abuja, on Friday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, clarified that the Alau Dam, located in Maiduguri, Borno State, remained intact.

He explained that the flood resulted from massive inflows from the Ngadda River, a major tributary of the River Yedzaram, which overwhelmed the dam’s dyke.

The minister alongside the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, visited the flood-affected areas to assess the damage and express their sympathies to the government and people of Borno State.

Utsev expressed commitment to a thorough overhaul and upgrade of the Alau Dam. He said it was non-negotiable, adding that any poor performance by contractors or officials involved would not go unpunished.

He promised to provide sanitation kits and water treatment facilities to displaced persons as part of the ministry’s immediate intervention.

Similarly, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said the state would raise multi-stakeholder committees to assess the destruction of lives and property by floods in Maiduguri metropolis.

According to him, the sectoral committees would guide the state government and development partners in the recovery and rebuilding process.

Zulum unveiled the assessment committees, on Friday, in Maiduguri, during a statewide broadcast.

He expressed empathy to everyone who has been affected in one way or another in the last five days.

“I assure you that your government is committed to doing everything possible to aid those in need. The magnitude of the destruction from this devastating flood cannot yet be quantified until the water has receded, before embarking on-the-spot assessments by the various committees.

“However, recovery from such a disaster cannot be the government’s responsibility alone. Instead, it requires the collective effort of all stakeholders and other development agencies,” he said.