The Federal Government has announced the donation of 24,302 food baskets by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to vulnerable households across five states in Nigeria.
Key Highlights:
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajia Zubaida Umar, disclosed this on Friday during the flag-off of the distribution of the food baskets in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Represented by Mrs Bolanle Ojo, Deputy Director, Special Duties at NEMA Headquarters, Umar said the beneficiaries of the intervention were located in Yobe, Benue, Anambra, Kebbi and Taraba states.
She said that 3,500 profiled households in Taraba would benefit from the food assistance programme.
According to her, the intervention further demonstrates the enduring humanitarian partnership between NEMA and KSrelief.
“Over the years, KSrelief has remained a dependable humanitarian partner to Nigeria, consistently supporting vulnerable populations through various relief interventions and technical assistance aimed at strengthening emergency response capacity,” she said.
Umar noted that the donation would complement the efforts of both the Federal Government and the Taraba State Government in addressing humanitarian challenges and strengthening community resilience.
She explained that the distribution exercise would be conducted in line with KSrelief’s operational and accountability standards to ensure transparency, fairness and effective delivery to targeted beneficiaries.
The NEMA boss added that officials of NEMA, the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and recognised volunteers would oversee the distribution process.
Read also:
- Residents, Traders count losses as flood submerges Otovwodo Market atter downpour
- Environmental activist urges universities to lead advocacy in tackling climate change
- Delta community faces severe gully erosion threat in Okpanam, urges urgent government intervention
“This collaborative approach is aimed at ensuring that the food baskets reach the intended vulnerable households efficiently and with dignity,” she said.
Umar expressed appreciation to KSrelief and the Government of Saudi Arabia for their continued support to vulnerable communities in Nigeria, particularly those affected by displacement, insecurity, disasters and economic hardship.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving citizens’ welfare and addressing vulnerabilities arising from disasters, conflicts, climate-related emergencies and economic challenges.
The NEMA director-general also used the occasion to caution residents of flood-prone communities to take preventive measures as the rainy season intensifies.
She observed that Taraba had historically experienced flooding that disrupted livelihoods, displaced families, damaged farmlands and affected critical infrastructure.
“In line with the predictions from the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook, residents, community leaders and local authorities in flood-prone areas should take proactive measures to reduce risks and protect lives,” she said.
Umar advised communities to clear drainage channels, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste in waterways, relocate from highly flood-prone locations where necessary and adhere strictly to early warning advisories issued by relevant authorities.
She also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and community volunteers to support awareness campaigns aimed at strengthening community preparedness and resilience against flooding and other hazards.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Echuseh Audu, commended KSrelief for the intervention and praised NEMA for its partnership in ensuring that the state benefited from the programme.
Audu described the donation as a complement to the Taraba State Government’s humanitarian efforts and assured that the relief materials would be distributed transparently to the intended beneficiaries.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with journalists expressed gratitude to KSrelief and NEMA, saying the intervention would help cushion the hardship resulting from their displacement.
