Niger State Government Appeals to World Bank and Partners for Support in Rebuilding Mokwa Town.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called for continued support from the World Bank and other international organizations, as well as donor agencies, to assist in rebuilding Mokwa town following the severe flooding that affected the community.
The Governor made this appeal during a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), who visited the Niger State Liaison Office in Abuja to express their condolences.
Governor Umaru Bago emphasized the urgent need for attention and support for the communities that were heavily impacted by the floods.
In response to the federal government’s assistance, the State Government has allocated 200 hectares of land to provide sites and services for the relocation of affected community members.
He expressed concern over the significant loss of resources in the area and remained hopeful that the partnership between the State Government and the World Bank would provide relief to those affected.
While thanking the World Bank and the United Nations for their ongoing support, Governor Bago urged the World Bank to expedite action on the $10 million gully erosion project in Mokwa, noting that the State Government has set aside ten billion naira as a counterpart fund.
Mohammed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, expressed his sympathy over the Mokwa incident.
He mentioned that several UN agencies have been actively providing assistance to the victims and assured the Governor that the United Nations will continue to support the government in its recovery efforts.
Tamir Samad, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, described the flooding in Mokwa as a tragedy.
He noted that Niger State is one of the key states involved in World Bank programs and stated that the World Bank would reassess the situation in Mokwa to explore medium-term solutions in areas such as watershed management and school rehabilitation, among others.
