Khadija Ngulde (9NEWS NIGERIA, BORNO)
Three months after the devastating September flood that ravaged Borno State’s capital Maiduguri and other parts of the state, the state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and World Bank delegation have visited Alau Dam, the source of water that caused the flood and Fori Bridge.
The tour of these places was part of a courtesy visit by the World Bank county director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, to Governor Zulum on Monday and to assess the damages caused by the natural disaster.
According to a release by the governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, Dr. Diop was first hosted at the Government House in Maiduguri.
While speaking at the event, Governor Zulum called on the World Bank to assist in reconstructing bridges destroyed by the recent flooding and dredging the silted Alau Dam.
Highlighting it’s devastating impact, Zulum said it has destroyed critical infrastructures, blocked waterways, and damaged farmlands across the state.
“Flooding has significantly affected our farmers. Without comprehensive dredging, we cannot solve this problem. We need increased support to address these challenges,” he said, emphasizing the urgency for additional assistance to dredge waterways and acquire desilting equipment.
Zulum also detailed the broader challenges facing Borno State, including the damages caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.
While terrorizing people and destroying their properties in over a decade long period, the terrorist group has caused an estimated damages of over $6 billion in infrastructure losses in the Northeast region.
According to Zulum, Borno accounts for more than half of these damages.
“Out of the $6.9 billion losses incurred across the Northeast, Borno accounts for about two-thirds.
“The insurgency destroyed critical infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods, but with support from the World Bank and other partners, we are rebuilding,” he said.
However, the governor praised the impact of World Bank-supported initiatives such as the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL), and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
He also appealed for additional support for projects like the South Chad Irrigation Scheme and other agricultural programs to revitalize Borno’s vast arable land, critical for food security and economic recovery.
Zulum further urged the World Bank to expedite the implementation of the Health Resilience Project to strengthen healthcare services and ensure residents’ well-being.
In his remarks, Diop commended Borno State government for its achievements in education and post-insurgency recovery efforts.
He noted that to enhance development across key sectors in the state, the bank is pledging its sustained support.
“We have observed significant progress in technical education and infrastructure rehabilitation. Borno’s recovery efforts are commendable, and we are happy to support these initiatives,” Dr. Diop stated.
He also highlighted the impact of ongoing World Bank projects like the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), which are rebuilding schools and empowering vulnerable populations.
“Borno is critical to Nigeria’s development, and we will continue to support your efforts in education, health, agriculture, and recovery from insurgency and climate-related challenges,” he affirmed.
