NEDC distributes 200,000 bags of rice to North East states

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has announced the distribution of 200,000 bags of rice and 150,000 cartons of spaghetti to flood victims across the North East region. Mohammed Alkali, Managing Director of the NEDC, stated that the food relief effort is a short-term intervention aimed at alleviating the suffering of millions affected by the […]

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has announced the distribution of 200,000 bags of rice and 150,000 cartons of spaghetti to flood victims across the North East region.

Mohammed Alkali, Managing Director of the NEDC, stated that the food relief effort is a short-term intervention aimed at alleviating the suffering of millions affected by the recent floods in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states.

The relief items will be distributed across 18 senatorial districts, 48 federal constituencies, and 1,024 state constituency wards throughout the region.

Alkali reported that the NEDC has already initiated the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice, 10,000 cartons of spaghetti, 15,000 mats and blankets, 10,000 pieces of clothing, and 7,500 mosquito nets as part of its immediate response to the flooding in Maiduguri.

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He also noted that the commission has been actively assessing the damage caused by the floods across the six affected states and is collaborating with state governments to reconstruct damaged bridges.

While the NEDC does not own the collapsed bridges, Alkali emphasised the commission’s commitment to addressing pressing needs within its capacity and resources.

“Each state has between two and five bridges that have been rendered impassable. Our role is to assist in the reconstruction of these bridges to restore connectivity,” he said.

Alkali cited the example of Jere, where the NEDC successfully constructed a bridge and road network that connected seven towns after a prolonged period of isolation.

He stressed that the NEDC’s efforts are aimed at providing crucial support to affected communities and facilitating recovery and reconstruction in the wake of the devastating floods.