The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) initiated a cash disbursement program to support 2,522 households in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, Nigeria on Friday, following recent flooding in the region.
The aim of this relief effort is to offer minimal yet essential financial assistance to families affected by the floods, helping them meet their immediate needs.
This initiative is currently focused on two of the hardest hit areas, Limanti and Shehuri Southwards, which were identified and verified by the flood disaster relief disbursement committee.
The UNHCR’s intervention is part of a broader effort, with multiple United Nations agencies and various partner organizations joining forces to aid the Borno State government in addressing the aftermath of the flooding.
According to UNHCR representative Idris Abubakar, the cash distribution process is underway, marking a significant milestone in their flood relief efforts.
Abubakar explained that initial challenges with name verification were successfully resolved, allowing the team to proceed with distributing funds to verified beneficiaries. Specifically, 616 individuals in Limanti and 40 in Shehuri South have already been confirmed as eligible recipients.
“UNHCR is targeting 2,522 households across the wards of Limanti and Shehuri South,” Abubakar stated. “Payments have begun, with each household set to receive a notification for a transfer amounting to 100,000 naira.”
Abubakar further acknowledged that some delays have occurred, particularly with payments intended for beneficiaries who use wallet accounts.
This type of account structure, he noted, presents specific challenges in processing bulk transfers, resulting in a few delays.
Nonetheless, UNHCR is committed to ensuring that all qualified beneficiaries receive their funds in a timely manner as they work through these logistical hurdles.
This cash disbursement program represents a crucial part of UNHCR’s ongoing support for vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters in Borno State, offering a timely response to those in need.
