- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved N108 billion for state disaster management, with each state to receive N3 billion
- Nigerians criticised the initiative with some condemning it as a short-term solution to long-standing challenges, and others seeing it as another “national cake” to be shared, among others
- TheRadar compiled the reactions of the people below
In a move to address natural disasters and environmental challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N108 billion for state support. Each state is set to receive N3 billion to aid in its disaster management and environmental protection efforts.
Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed this on Wednesday, September 11, while receiving House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The speaker pledged that the National Assembly would support the communities affected while sympathising with the flood crisis at Maiduguri after the Alau dam collapse in Borno.
Shettima said, “The President has shown his zeal, willingness and commitment to partner with the states towards addressing these issues.
Tinubu approves N3 billion per state to address environmental challenges
“Recently, he approved the release of N3 billion to each state of the federation to address some of these challenges so that all parts of the federation should have buy-in and belonging.”
The Vice President explained that the intervention seeks to create a feeling of unity among subnational governments and described the Maiduguri floods as a national emergency affecting the entire nation, not just Borno State.
“It is a national calamity that has befallen us, and it is a concomitant effect of the incestuous relationship among climate change, ecology and the economy. From Bayelsa to Sokoto, there is hardly any part of this nation that has not been affected by these flooding incidences.” Shettima stated.
He reassured that, given Tinubu's enthusiasm and commitment, the problems of flooding and other state challenges will soon be resolved.
Shettima praises Speaker’s leadership
Shettima acknowledged the speaker’s “remarkable leadership” in the National Assembly.
He said, “Despite having nearly 70 per cent of the members as newly sworn-in, the speaker has been able to keep the flag flying. There is a lot of stability in the House of Representatives, and we have to commend you for providing that leadership.
“We wish you well, and, Insha Allah, you are one of the fulcrums of our democratic journey. A harmonious relationship among the executive, the legislature and the judiciary is very essential to sustain democracy in Nigeria.”
Nigerians have responded to this news with mixed reactions; while some criticise it as a temporary fix for long-term issues, others view it as merely another opportunity for distributing funds without substantial impact.
Nigerians react to disaster funding
TheRadar compiled the reactions of people below:
“People really need to start holding their governors responsible for so many things. In regardless that we know presidents are lagging behind, these governors are doing worse and no one is seeing them,” Ishow_leck commented.
“How many states is affected by natural disaster that they share 108billy and 3 billy to each state , how many states in Nigeria self,” Oluwaseun asked.
“…you don’t just keep giving benefits to the governors when you know it won’t get be used judiciously,” Haryour added.
“The president needs to work with governors and local government chairmen to ensure that all states have proper urban planning. The major cause of natural disasters in Nigeria is due to poor urban planning. We need to stop investing money in short-term solutions to long-term problems,” Prophessor expressed.
“Another national cake to be shared... if you are sharing #3b to 36 states... does this mean all the states in Nigeria are addressing natural disasters???” Beabul King reacted.
“This man doesn't even know how to spend the money he claims is no where to be found,” Absn stated.
“Can I ask which natural disasters all the states are passing through? N3 Billion just like that. Billion don't really mean anything to this guys anymore,” Nuel J added.
Tinubu approves 300% salary increase for judicial officers at federal and state levels
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Tinubu signed into law a 300% salary increase for judicial officers at both the Federal and State levels.
The newly passed bill established new annual salaries for top judicial officials: Chief Justice of Nigeria at N64 million, President of the Court of Appeal at N62.4 million, others.