Borno Rebuilds: NEDC and Sen. Oluremi Tinubu Boost SMEs with N3.5 Billion Amid Flood Recovery Efforts
By Tada Juthan
In a significant show of support, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, have contributed N3.5 billion to aid Borno State’s reconstruction efforts and the revival of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) following devastating floods.
The floods, triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam, claimed numerous lives and destroyed property in Maiduguri and parts of Jere Local Council, severely disrupting economic activities in the region.
Speaking during the fund presentation in Maiduguri on Wednesday, NEDC Managing Director Mohammed Alkali revealed that N3 billion would go towards helping SMEs, especially those affected at Monday Market, to revive their businesses.
He acknowledged the immense destruction of property, noting that the damages could not be fully compensated by the state alone.
“The commission is committed to reconstructing all damaged infrastructure, including two key bridges on Lagos Street and in Gwange,” Alkali stated.
He added that the clean-up of flood-affected areas like Fori, Shehuri North, and communities along the riverbanks is already underway.
In addition to the infrastructure repairs, NEDC is distributing 10,000 bags of rice, bottled water, and other essential food items to flood victims in 32 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Representing Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shettima, announced a N500 million contribution to support rebuilding efforts.
She emphasised the resilience of the people of Borno, expressing confidence that Maiduguri would be rebuilt before the year’s end.
Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC) also pledged N80 million towards repairing the collapsed bridges, with completion expected by December.
Governor Babagana Zulum thanked the donors and assured them that the N3.5 billion fund would be used judiciously to rebuild homes, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.
He also confirmed that donations from various sources, including the United Nations and non-governmental organisations, would be channelled into Borno’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).
As Borno recovers from the flood disaster, these efforts signal a collective commitment to restoring livelihoods and rebuilding the state’s economic backbone.
