In a major show of corporate social responsibility, Nigerian banks have collectively donated over ₦500 million in cash and relief materials to support victims of devastating floods in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
The presentation, which took place at the Niger State Government Liaison Office in Abuja on Saturday, was led by the Body of Bank CEOs, chaired by Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Alawuba described the banks’ intervention as a heartfelt response to a tragic disaster. “While our response may have taken time, it stems from a deep, long-term commitment to humanitarian causes,” he said. He emphasized the banks’ joint resolve to ease the suffering of displaced families and restore hope.
The donation included food items such as bags of rice, beverages, vegetable oil, as well as mattresses, intended to offer immediate relief to those affected.
Participating executives included:Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, Group MD/CEO, Zenith Bank, Mr. Hassan Imam, MD/CEO, Keystone Bank,Mr. Hamid Joda, MD, TAJ Bank, Mr. Akin Morakinyo, Registrar/CEO, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State received the donation and expressed gratitude for what he called a “timely and compassionate” effort. He revealed that Zenith Bank had contributed ₦300 million, while UBA donated ₦200 million, with additional support coming from other banks.
Bago noted that the flooding in Mokwa was a result of silted waterways and outdated hydropower infrastructure. He called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to address climate-induced disasters, urging banks to invest in irrigation, food production, and water infrastructure.
“This is more than relief—it’s a call to action,” he said. “We need joint planning on climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture to prevent future disasters.”
He added that Niger State, home to four major hydropower dams and over 90 water bodies, has significant potential for year-round farming and water harvesting, and encouraged banks to align their investments with these long-term development goals.
The event concluded with a pledge by the banks to continue supporting Niger State in its recovery and future development efforts.
