Nigerian banks have donated over ₦500 million in cash and relief materials to support victims of the recent flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
The assistance, spearheaded by the Body of Bank Chief Executive Officers, was presented on Saturday at the Niger State Government Liaison Office in Abuja.
Leading the delegation, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) and Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs, said the gesture reflects the sector’s shared sense of empathy and national responsibility.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and compassion that I stand before you today… to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the devastating floods in Mokwa,” Alawuba said.
While acknowledging delays in delivering the intervention, Alawuba emphasised the banks’ unwavering commitment to long-term community support. Relief items delivered included bags of rice, beverages, vegetable oil, and mattresses—all aimed at providing urgent comfort and restoring dignity to displaced families.
Breakdown of Donations:
- Zenith Bank: ₦300 million
- UBA: ₦200 million
- Other banks: Combined cash and materials worth millions
Top bank executives in attendance include:
- Dame Adaora Umeoji (Zenith Bank)
- Hassan Imam (Keystone Bank)
- Hamid Joda (TAJ Bank)
- Akin Morakinyo (CIBN Registrar)
State Response
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed gratitude for the support, describing it as timely and compassionate. He highlighted the flooding crisis as a result of:
- Silted waterways
- Poor hydropower infrastructure management
- Climate-induced rainfall
- Outdated dam systems in a state with four major hydropower dams and over 90 water bodies
“The floods have displaced families, destroyed livelihoods and cut off communities,” Bago said. “This kind of corporate response is not only timely but exemplary.”
Call for Broader Collaboration
The governor urged banks to extend their partnership to long-term projects, including:
- Irrigation and agricultural expansion
- Food export promotion
- Flood risk reduction and infrastructure upgrades
The donation comes amid growing calls for joint public-private action on climate resilience and disaster response as Nigeria faces increasing weather-related crises.
