The federal government of Nigeria on Sunday received 50 tonnes of humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The aid is to support internally displaced persons affected by the flood disaster in parts of the country.

The relief items arrived at the Cargo wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 2.40 p.m.

The items were received by officials from the ministry of foreign affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the office of the National Security Adviser to the president (NSA).

The UAE Ambassador, Salem Alshamsi, presented the relief items to the Nigeria government.

Mr Alshamsi said that the donation was in line with the UAE gesture to support countries affected by natural disasters.

He said that the donation was done at the directive of the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan, to cushion the effect of the hardship caused by the floods.

 “This urgent humanitarian aid of 50 tonnes of basic supplies has been provided to our friendly people of Nigeria, to support areas affected by the recent floods.

“The UAE, as usual, is always helping nations affected by natural disasters. So we are happy to be here,” Mr Alshamsi said. 

Receiving the items, Dr Ahmed Dunoma, the permanent secretary, ministry of foreign affairs, commended the government and people of UAE for supporting Nigeria at this crucial time.

Mr Dunoma described the donation as unprecedented, adding that it showed the kind of excellent relationship Nigeria had with the UAE.

“We want to seize this opportunity on behalf of Mr President to convey the appreciation of the Nigerian government and  her people, to the president and the people of UAE.

“We believe that this will go a long way in ameliorating the sufferings of the people affected by this recent flood,” he said.

Mr Dunoma said that the items would be distributed to Nigerians affected by the floods.

The director -general of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, said that the relief materials would immediately be distributed to Borno and other states affected by flood, once cleared.

 “This does not only symbolise our partnership, but also a support at this dire time where so many areas of Nigeria have been flooded.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I want to assure Nigerians that once we take custody of these items, they will be shared accordingly to those affected by the flood. That is an assurance.

“This will not only stop in Maiduguri. As of yesterday, parts of Enugu state were also being flooded. So we are going to target all areas, even Kaduna was slightly flooded two days ago.

“So we are going to target the whole country. I am sure that is what the government of UAE also wants us to do,” she said.

According to NEMA, 29 states and 172 local government areas have been hit by flooding, affecting 1,048,312 people, displacing 625,239, and resulting in 259 deaths between April to September 2024.

(NAN)