By Ayodele Oni
In a bid to permanently address issue of flood disaster, the Jigawa State Government is set to establish a Flood Disaster Emergency Trust Fund to cater for the management of recurrent flood disasters in the state.
Governor Umar Namadi announced this while inaugurating a flood disaster management committee in the state capital.
The committee, chaired by Aminu Kani, is also tasked with finalizing the establishment of the Flood Disaster Emergency Trust Fund.
Members of the committee have been entrusted with the critical responsibility of ensuring the smooth establishment and operation of the Trust Fund.
Governor Namadi expressed satisfaction with the progress made in addressing the 2022 flood disaster and emphasized the importance of swift action in addressing the pending issues from the previous committee’s report.
He commended the efforts of the former committee, which mobilized over N1.1 billion in funds and provided relief to over 34,000 victims, including families of deceased victims.
“The objective is for the Trust Fund to serve as a first resort emergency response for rehabilitation and relief to disaster victims on a sustainable basis.
“Already a draft bill has been produced by the former committee but needs to be subjected to further review before it is finalized for further appropriate action.
“The primary objectives of the newly inaugurated committee include: finalizing the operational modalities of the Permanent Flood Disaster Trust Fund, reviewing and updating the draft bill for the Trust Fund.
“This will cover its establishment, funding sources, governance structure, and operational procedures, and resolving any pending payment issues through reconciliations with relevant banks.”
Governor Namadi expressed confidence in the committee members’ ability to fulfill their mandate within the designated timeframe of two months.
He assured of the necessary logistical support to facilitate the smooth execution of their tasks.
Upon the passage and assent of the legislation establishing the Trust Fund, Governor Namadi affirmed his commitment to ensuring its effective implementation in accordance with the law.
“As soon as the Law on the establishment of the Trust Fund is passed and accented, a permanent arrangement will be made in accordance with the provision of the law to ensure its proper take up.”
