Zulum addressing the World Bank team at Government House
Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has called on the World Bank to assist in dredging Alau Dam and the reconstruction of bridges destroyed by recent flooding disaster.
A statement from Dauda Iliya, the Governor’s spokesperson on Tuesday in Maiduguri said Zulum made the request while receiving the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Ndiame Diop, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Maiduguri.
Zulum highlighted the devastating impact of the flood disaster that affected critical infrastructure, blocked waterways, and damaged farmlands.
“Flooding has significantly affected our farmers. Without comprehensive dredging, we cannot solve this problem. We need increased support to address these challenges,” the governor emphasized while underscoring the urgency for additional assistance to dredge waterways and acquire desilting equipment.
Zulum also detailed the broader challenges facing Borno State, including the extensive damage caused by the Boko Haram insurgency, which has resulted in over $6 billion in infrastructure losses.
“Out of the $6.9 billion losses incurred across the Northeast, Borno accounts for about two-thirds.
“The insurgency destroyed critical infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods, but with support from the World Bank and other partners, we are rebuilding.” Zulum noted.
The governor praised the impact of World Bank-supported initiatives such as the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL), and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
He also appealed for additional support for projects like the South Chad Irrigation Scheme and other agricultural programs to revitalize Borno’s vast arable land, critical for food security and economic recovery.
Zulum further urged the World Bank to expedite the implementation of the Health Resilience Project to strengthen healthcare services and ensure residents’ well-being.
In his remarks, the World Bank Country Director, Dr Ndiame Diop commended the Borno Government for its achievements in education and post-insurgency recovery efforts.
Diop pledged sustained World Bank support to enhance development across key sectors.
“We have observed significant progress in technical education and infrastructure rehabilitation. Borno’s recovery efforts are commendable, and we are happy to support these initiatives,” Diop said.
He highlighted the impact of ongoing World Bank projects like the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), which are rebuilding schools and empowering vulnerable populations.
“Borno is critical to Nigeria’s development, and we will continue to support your efforts in education, health, agriculture, and recovery from insurgency and climate-related challenges,” Diop affirmed.
Highlight of the occasion is the visit to Fori bridge and Alau Dam by Gov. Zulum and the World Bank team to assess the level of damage caused by the disaster.
