North East Development Commission (NEDC) has allocated N3 billion to support small business owners in Maiduguri affected by the devastating flood disaster.

An additional N50 million was earmarked for the cleaning and rehabilitation of the Shehu of Borno’s palace.

NEDC Managing Director, Mohammed Alkali, announced the intervention during a visit to Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri on Tuesday, explaining that the commission’s board resolved to assist small businesses and individuals dependent on stipends.
“The N3 billion donation will be distributed to affected small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small businesses,” Mr. Alkali said. “We will also reconstruct and rehabilitate affected facilities, including supply of construction materials, repairs of damaged infrastructure, roads and bridges.”

The commission will provide immediate relief materials, including 20,000 bags of 25kg rice, 20,000 cartons of macaroni and 10,000 cartons of vegetable oil. Other interventions include cleaning services, water, sanitation, hygiene services and fumigation of the city.

Governor Zulum commended the commission’s support but urged increased visibility in discharging their responsibilities to flood victims, particularly in Maiduguri, the state capital worst hit by the floods.
NEDC Chairman, Maj Gen Paul Tarfa (rtd), commiserated with the governor and people of Borno, praying that such incidents never happen again.

The flood disaster has disrupted the economic base and activity of thousands of people, particularly small and medium businesses, making the NEDC’s intervention crucial for recovery.