Reps committee seeks release of funds, food to Borno flood victims

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Joseph Bassey, on Friday, called for the release of funds and food items to victims of flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Extending solidarity and sympathies to the victims of the devastating flood on behalf of the committee, the lawmaker, who represents Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, said that the tragedy has caused significant suffering, loss and hardship for countless families.

He added: “In coordinating an effective, rapid, and sustainable national response to this tragic situation, we call for the urgent release of adequate funds, including air, marine and land assets to enable the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver essential relief materials, food and medical assistance, and alternative livelihood support to victims.

“The scale of this disaster necessitates a prompt and robust intervention to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery objectives. We commend the Federal Government, particularly Mr. President Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, for the rapid show of support to the people of Borno State and the ongoing search and rescue efforts. We urge all stakeholders to join forces with NEMA and other relevant government agencies in addressing the negative impact of this devastation.”

He noted the critical role of legislative action in mitigating the impacts of disasters such as the current flood situation, adding that the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness expresses full commitment to ensuring that disaster management frameworks are strengthened to be comprehensive and resilient.

Bassey also stressed the need to enhance institutional and community capacity for disaster reduction, emergency preparedness, and recovery efforts.