FG Seeks $1 Million AfDB Grant for Emergency Food Aid to 2024 Flood Victims

The Federal Government of Nigeria has applied for a $1 million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide emergency food aid to Nigerians affected by the 2024 floods. This proposal aims to alleviate the significant food insecurity and displacement caused by the floods that struck 29 states, displaced over 200,000 people, and destroyed more than 500,000 hectares of farmland.

Scope of the Intervention

According to a proposal document, the initiative aims to support 122,253 individuals in 16 of the hardest-hit areas. The relief plan includes distributing food packages containing 25 kg of rice and 10 kg of beans. This food assistance will be delivered between October 2024 and February 2025, aligning with other government-led relief efforts already in place.

Details of the Proposal

The document highlights the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts, which have seen the distribution of rice and spaghetti to affected households. The AfDB’s Special Relief Fund (SRF) is expected to provide $1 million for the project. The World Food Programme (WFP) will partner in implementing the distribution, leveraging its field capacity to reach the target beneficiaries.

The primary goal of this project is to stabilize food security among displaced families and ensure access to essential nutrition during the critical recovery period. The food aid package per household will consist of a one-time transfer of 35 kilograms—comprising 25 kg of rice and 10 kg of beans.

Allocation of Funds

The proposal details the following allocations for the $1 million grant:

• Food Procurement and Transport: $870,919, covering 799 metric tons of food for the target households.
• Project Implementation: $48,421, covering logistical costs for the WFP’s field operations.
• Direct Support Costs: $42,198 for management expenses related to the WFP’s coordination efforts.
• Indirect Support Costs: $38,462 (4% of the total grant) allocated for oversight and accountability purposes.

The AfDB’s funding will complement government initiatives and help diversify the food supplies provided to affected households.

Impact of the Floods

The 2024 floods, intensified by the collapse of the Alau Dam in Borno State, have had a devastating impact across northern Nigeria. In Maiduguri, over half of the city was submerged, forcing essential services like the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and several schools to shut down. In addition to causing widespread displacement, the floods triggered outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and malaria, increasing the burden on already vulnerable communities.

National and International Support

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has classified the disaster as beyond the government’s handling capacity, highlighting the need for international support. Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had called for global aid to address the humanitarian crisis and replenish strained local resources.

The AfDB’s intervention aligns with the United Nations’ broader initiatives to mitigate the economic and social impacts of the floods, which have deepened Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges. In addition to the AfDB’s support, the United States, through USAID, has also committed over $6.5 million to flood-related relief efforts in Nigeria.

Concerns Over Budget Utilization

Meanwhile, there have been concerns regarding the allocation and use of funds for flood control in Nigeria. In Borno State, for instance, only N20 million was utilized for flood control in the first half of 2024, representing a mere 2.45% of the total ecological budget. The 2024 revised budget for flood control in the state stands at N1.653 billion, with only 1.2% reportedly spent. These figures raise questions about the government’s preparedness to handle recurring natural disasters.

Conclusion

The proposed $1 million AfDB grant is crucial for supporting food security and stabilizing livelihoods in affected communities. The collaboration with WFP is expected to ensure that the aid reaches those most in need, providing critical relief during the challenging recovery phase. As the situation develops, there will be ongoing monitoring to measure the effectiveness of the food distribution and its impact on the well-being of the beneficiaries.

Source: Nairametrics

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