According to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, the Nigerian Government, through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, has given the green light for over ₦350 billion to be allocated to support dams and the expansion of facilities throughout Nigeria.
Bagudu disclosed this information while speaking with reporters shortly after offering his condolences to the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, on the passing of his mother in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.
” The flooding is a dramatic change, it is a global challenge, and we saw what happened in Borno, among other states.
” If you watch footage coming from around the world, particularly in Europe, you will see a lot of flooding incidences.
” Climate change is real, lucky enough, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, recognised it and took proactive steps where money was given to states.
” A number of interventions have been approved by the President, in addition to numerous timely release of Federal Allocation Account money.
” The Federal Government allocated N3 billion to each state of the federation to mitigate the effects of flooding.
” Gov. Nasiri Idris of Kebbi has intimated to me that the state has taken possession of its share of the fund.
” The Federal Government, had in the Federal Executive Council last week, approved over ₦350 billion under the President’s renewed hope infrastructure fund to support dams and expansion of irrigation facilities,” he said.
Bagudu also mentioned that the council had approved the allocation of ₦900 billion to the Kebbi section of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, stating, “It is the single biggest contract awarded under the current administration.”
According to him, another authorisation was obtained for the construction of the Zaria Kala-Kala road in the Koko/Besse Local Government of the state.
He added that this road connects to other roads, particularly the Melando – Warra in Birnin Yauri, Nagasaki local government area of the state.
” Kebbi is blessed, we are lucky that infrastructural projects, among other numerous interventions in agriculture, animal husbandry, hospitals, and schools, will complement the ongoing developmental projects taking place in the state,” Bagudu observed.
He applauded Governor Idris for his positive contribution to uplifting the people’s living standards while governing the state.
“I am also praising the governor for taking necessary action to bring relief to all communities affected by flooding and encouraging unrelenting cultivation of crops among farmers for self-sufficiency in food production,” the minister said.