The Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Daniel Bertrand, has actually stated that the Belgian federal government supports the federal government with ₤ 5 million every year, to deal with the humanitarian crisis in the North-East.

The Ambassador made this known on Wednesday in Abuja, when he checked out the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mr. Mohammed Alkali.

Betrand said the purpose of the see was to know better what the commission is doing and the difficulties being faced and how the Belgian federal government can be of assistance.

According to him, “Belgium is deeply involved in humanitarian help in the North-Eastern part of the nation. I personally checked out Borno State two times and I wanted to better know the organization and to know what we can do together. Belgium has a strong interest in developing its bilateral relations with Nigeria– Business, commerce, human relationship.

Betrand even more pointed out that what is happening in the Sahel area has a terrific effect on Nigeria, especially in the North-East and vice versa.

“We are very active and we are at the disposal of the Nigerian authority to do better. We are supporting the Nigerian government economically in terms of humanitarian support.”

When asked just how much the Belgian federal government has actually given Nigeria in dealing with the humanitarian crisis in the North-East, Bertrand included, “I think it is basically ₤ 5 million a year.”

Alkali said the go to of the ambassador was a sign that the commission was ready to work with all the partners, either in humanitarian or development towards having peace in the North-East.

He stated by the end of this quarter, the commission would formally introduce its masterplan for development of the North-East.

Alkali stated: “Peace is returning, however we still have the hangover of the humanitarian crisis. When it started, individuals remained in camps, now that they are returning to their houses, they are definitely going to satisfy another crisis in regards to how to settle.

“In that case, we hope the Belgian government will continue its humanitarian assistance to us,” he included.