STATES affected by recent flood disasters across the country have received N3 billion from the Federal Government to alleviate the suffering of their citizens.
This was revealed during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held today at the State House in Abuja.
The meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, was attended by governors, deputy governors, and several ministers.
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, were also present to give presentations.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed said that some northern states were the hardest hit by the floods, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property.
He explained that the funds were intended to provide immediate relief to flood victims, including food and temporary shelter for those displaced.
Governor Bala also noted that NEC directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to coordinate a collaborative effort to address the flood disasters comprehensively.
Additionally, NEC has ordered an inventory to assess the extent of the flood damage.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, speaking also to reporters, confirmed that the NEC Committee on Flood has been reconstituted, with the Vice President now serving as Chairman. Other members include Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, and Governor Douyi Diri of Bayelsa State.
The committee will also include the Ministers of State for Water Resources, governors from the affected states, and representatives of various government agencies.