VP Shettima pledges continued federal support for victims of flood, insecurity
By Kunle Sanni
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting victims of flooding and insecurity across Nigeria, with additional relief measures promised for the most severely affected states.
During an assessment visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday, Shettima highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the federal and state governments, as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to enhance support for displaced communities.
He assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to effective governance and the welfare of all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliations.
He said, “We are here at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give the federal government’s commitment to supporting the people of Niger State in addressing the food challenges caused by the flood and the insecurity that has been affecting this part of the country.
“We have come to reaffirm the President’s irrevocable commitment to alleviating the sufferings of our people. This is a symbolic gesture to assure the government and people of Niger State that the President is determined to assist all states of the federation in addressing these challenges.”
VP Shettima recalled that the federal government had already disbursed ₦3 billion to each state to address flooding issues.
He, however, emphasized that this was just the beginning of a more comprehensive support plan, saying, “This is just a tip of the iceberg, especially for states like Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Bayelsa, and Jigawa.”
The Vice President explained that states’ eligibility to receive additional federal government support would be evidence-driven and based on detailed assessments of needs.
“We will conduct our assessment and take a very scientific approach. All states that deserve support will be fully supported because governance is about the people,” VP Shettima said.
On the broader scope of the government’s infrastructure plans, the Vice President added, “In the contemporary history of Nigeria, no President has intervened more decisively in infrastructure development than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He cited ongoing projects such as the East-West Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Road as examples of the administration’s commitment to national development.
Regarding the immediate concerns of the IDPs, VP Shettima assured that returning them to their communities was a priority. He also disclosed that the federal and state governments, in collaboration with NEMA, were working on additional interventions for the displaced persons.
“We are here, and we will support our people. It’s not about politics; it’s about governance and improving the living conditions of our people,” he affirmed.
Earlier, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, informed the IDPs that Vice President Shettima had come to offer condolences and deliver intervention items.
He also informed the Vice President that the Gwada camp is one of 14 camps across the state housing those displaced by both floods and insecurity.
Governor Bago expressed his gratitude to the federal government delegation led by the VP for showing solidarity with the state during this challenging time.
Others in the federal government’s delegation included Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, and Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji; Emir of Minna, Dr. Umaru Faruq Bahago, and members of the State Executive Council, among others.
