FLOODING: Swiss government donates €1.2 million to Borno
The Swiss government has made a significant contribution of €1.2 million to the Borno State Flood Disaster Relief Fund.
This donation aims to provide essential support to the victims affected by the recent flooding in Borno State, Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Nicolas Lang, during a sympathy visit to the government house in Maiduguri, which is the capital of Borno State.
During this visit, Ambassador Lang was accompanied by key officials from the Swiss Embassy, including Nicolas Martin-Achard, the Senior Humanitarian Advisor, and Florent Geel, the Senior Political Advisor.
The ambassador highlighted that Switzerland had previously supported a program known as the “Borno Model” with approximately $700,000 in 2023. This program focuses on facilitating the mass exit of armed Boko Haram insurgents and civilians who are trapped in conflict zones.
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Ambassador Lang emphasized that these donations reflect Switzerland’s ongoing commitment and solidarity with both the Borno State Government and its citizens who are suffering due to various crises. In response to this generous donation, Governor Babagana Zulum expressed gratitude on behalf of his administration and assured that the funds would be utilized judiciously for those affected by the floods.
The flooding situation in Borno has been dire; it has displaced over one million individuals around Maiduguri due to rapidly rising waters that engulfed thousands of homes after a dam burst following heavy rainfall. The humanitarian crisis resulting from this disaster is one of the worst in recent history for northeastern Nigeria.
In addition to direct financial assistance, Ambassador Lang noted that Switzerland’s contribution would be channeled through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund managed by the United Nations (UN). This funding will help provide multi-sectoral assistance aimed at addressing immediate needs such as health care, water and sanitation measures (to prevent cholera outbreaks), temporary shelter, food security, and protection services for those impacted.
This donation signifies an important step towards alleviating some of the hardships faced by flood victims in Borno State while also reinforcing international support for humanitarian efforts within Nigeria.
