By Abdul Kareem

Maiduguri, Nigeria (tHT) — The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has committed to assisting the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) in repairing equipment severely damaged by recent flooding that struck Maiduguri and surrounding areas.

In a recent visit to UMTH, NEDC Managing Director Ambassador Goni Mohammed Alkali assessed the flood damage to crucial health facilities and equipment.

“We are here to evaluate the impact and determine how best we can support the hospital in restoring its services,” Alkali stated.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ahmed Ahijo, expressed the dire situation: “Our hospital aspired to be one of the best in Nigeria, but the flood has set us back over 20 years. Our state-of-the-art cancer center was our pride, but now much of the equipment is damaged.”

Prof. Ahijo highlighted the financial strain caused by inflation and currency exchange rates, noting,

Some of the damaged equipment at the UMTH

“Our MRAP machines, initially bought for N1.6 billion, now require N2 to N3 billion for repairs. Equipment we acquired for N1.3 billion now costs N6 billion.”

The NEDC team also visited other key project sites in Borno State, including the Alau Dam and the Eye and Dental Hospital. At Alau Dam, Ambassador Alkali explained,

“We are evaluating the flood’s impact on existing contracts for dyke construction and are considering whether to continue or re-award these contracts.”

During the visit, the NEDC promised financial intervention for repairs and equipment replacement at UMTH. Ambassador Alkali assured the community of the commission’s ongoing commitment to the region’s development, emphasizing timely project completion and contractor accountability.

The floods have posed significant challenges, but with NEDC’s support, there is hope for revitalizing essential health services in Maiduguri.