Borno State Flood Relief Efforts: EFCC, ICPC, DSS Join Governor Zulum’s Transparency Initiative

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has established a high-powered committee to oversee the distribution of relief funds and essential items for victims of the recent devastating floods. The initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability in providing aid to the affected communities.

In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani, on Sunday, Governor Zulum emphasized that the committee includes representatives from key anti-corruption and security agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS). These organizations will play a crucial role in ensuring the fair and transparent distribution of resources.

The committee is led by Baba Gujubawu, Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, with Professor Ibrahim Umara from the University of Maiduguri serving as co-chairman. Other members include representatives from Civil Society Organizations, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and traditional leaders, including His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno.

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Governor Zulum urged committee members to execute their duties with utmost dedication and integrity, emphasizing the importance of their role in alleviating the suffering of flood victims.

International partners have also stepped in to support the relief efforts. The International Organisation for Migration, using $3 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing vital assistance to flood recovery efforts across the country. Additionally, the U.S. government has increased humanitarian aid to thousands affected by the catastrophic floods in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.

The floods, described as the worst in 30 years by local residents and the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council, have displaced at least 414,000 people and caused numerous fatalities. According to the National Emergency Management Agency, the disaster was triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam following heavy rainfall.