PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has mandated that structural integrity assessments be conducted on all dams nationwide to prevent future calamities.
This directive follows the rupture of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri on September 10, which triggered the worst flooding the state has witnessed in three decades.
In his 64th Independence Day speech, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s proactive response to natural disasters, particularly the devastating flood.
“Our government has been addressing recent natural disasters, especially the flooding in certain parts of the country. We have also ordered integrity tests for all dams in the country to avert future disasters,” Tinubu said.
The flooding displaced over a million people, many of whom are now sheltered in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Both the president and vice president, during separate visits to the affected areas, reassured residents of federal support and announced the approval of a Disaster Relief Fund. Tinubu reiterated in his speech that his administration would continue to support Nigerians during crises.
“Following Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Maiduguri, I also visited to assure our people that the federal government will stand by them during challenging times. At the last Federal Executive Council meeting, we approved a Disaster Relief Fund to enable a faster response by mobilizing both private and public sector funds for emergency situations.
“Our economy is undergoing critical reforms aimed at fostering long-term sustainability. If we fail to address the fiscal misalignments contributing to the current downturn, our country will face an uncertain future with severe consequences.”
Addressing the Rising Cost of Living The president also acknowledged concerns about the high cost of living, particularly the escalating prices of food, noting that the situation is part of a broader global trend. He assured the public that his administration is implementing measures to alleviate the burden on Nigerians.
“The high cost of living, especially food prices, is a pressing issue shared globally. Rest assured, we are rolling out several initiatives to ease these challenges here at home.”
He highlighted efforts to boost food security through mechanized farming and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for mass transit, implemented in collaboration with private sector partners.
“I commend the governors of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Southwest for their active participation in our agricultural production program. I urge other states to collaborate with the federal government in promoting mechanized farming. We are providing fertilizers, tractors, and other essential farming equipment. Last week, the Federal Executive Council approved the establishment of a local assembly plant for 2,000 John Deere tractors and related farm machinery, to be completed within six months.
“Our energy transition program is progressing as planned. We are scaling up the adoption of the Presidential Initiative on CNG for mass transit, partnering with the private sector. The federal government is ready to assist the 36 states and the FCT in acquiring CNG buses for more affordable public transport.”
Tinubu emphasized that his administration has made significant strides, eliminating over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders within the first year of his tenure.
“I am pleased to inform you that our administration is making notable progress in the battle against terrorism and banditry. Our goal is to eradicate Boko Haram, banditry, kidnappings for ransom, and all forms of violent extremism. In less than a year, our government has neutralized over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders, with our brave forces continuing their work in the Northeast, Northwest, and other parts of the country.”
Tinubu also underscored that peace has been restored to numerous communities in the North, allowing many displaced people to return home. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fully restoring peace, which would enable farmers to return to their fields and boost food production, ultimately reducing food costs.
“We have successfully restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, allowing thousands of people to return home. However, our work is not yet finished. Our security agencies remain committed to restoring peace as swiftly as possible.
As soon as peace is restored, farmers will return to their fields, and we expect a significant increase in food production and a corresponding drop in prices. I promise that we will not waver in this effort,” Tinubu affirmed during his 64th Independence Day address in Abuja.