Nigerian Banks Rally To Support Mokwa Flood Victims With Over N500m In Aid.
A consortium of Nigerian banks has stepped forward with a generous donation of over N500 million in cash and relief materials to support victims of the devastating floods that struck Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State. The initiative, led by the Body of Bank CEOs, aims to alleviate the suffering caused by one of the region’s worst flood disasters in recent years, which displaced thousands and claimed numerous lives.
The donation, presented in Abuja, included essential items such as bags of rice, beverages, vegetable oil, and mattresses, valued at millions of naira. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs and Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), expressed the banking sector’s deep sympathy for the affected communities. He acknowledged a delay in the response but reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to long-term recovery efforts, emphasising the vital role of private-sector partnerships in disaster response.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who received the donation, praised the banks for their timely intervention. He noted that the floods, exacerbated by silted waterways and outdated hydropower infrastructure, had caused immense hardship, destroying homes and livelihoods. Bago highlighted the donation as a symbol of hope and resilience, underscoring the banking sector’s role as a partner in national development. He also called for further collaboration on strategic initiatives, such as irrigation projects, to mitigate future flood risks.
The flooding in Mokwa, which began on 29 May, resulted in over 150 deaths and displaced more than 3,000 people, with many still missing. The state government has complemented the banks’ efforts by disbursing N1 billion in relief funds, including N1 million per affected household and N500,000 for shop owners. Additional support from the federal government, donor agencies, and individuals like Aliko Dangote, who contributed N250 million, has bolstered recovery efforts.
The collective response from Nigeria’s banking sector and other stakeholders demonstrates a unified commitment to supporting Mokwa’s recovery. Governor Bago assured that all donations would be transparently managed to ensure they reach those in need, while plans for permanent drainage systems and concrete bridges aim to prevent future disasters. This outpouring of support offers a beacon of hope for the resilient communities of Mokwa as they rebuild their lives.
