Jigawa gov’t to set up permanent flood disaster trust fund

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State announced the establishment of the Permanent Flood Disaster Emergency Trust Fund to manage recurrent flood disasters in the state.

The governor announced this while inaugurating a flood disaster management committee at the Government House on Friday.

A statement by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Saturday said the committee, chaired by Arc. Aminu Kani, is also tasked with finalizing the establishment of the Trust Fund.

According to the statement, The committee’s members are responsible for ensuring the smooth establishment and operation of the Trust Fund.

In his remarks during the inauguration, Governor Namadi expressed his satisfaction with the progress made thus far in addressing the 2022 flood disaster incident 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, which 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 time frame of two months.

He assured them 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,” he said.