The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Federal Government to ensure accountability and transparency in the disbursement and use of the recently approved ₦125.5 billion flood intervention fund.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of HEDA, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, and made known on Wednesday in Lagos state, Southwest Nigeria.
Arigbabu warned against repeating the failures of past ecological fund disbursements, which were marred by mismanagement, lack of transparency, and political interference.
“Nigerians cannot afford to repeat the ecological fund debacle.
“This ₦125.5 billion must be treated as an exceptional emergency fund-ring-fenced and dedicated solely to flood prevention, mitigation, and disaster response.
“Anything short of full transparency will further erode public trust,” Arigbabu said.
He recalled that in 2012, the Jonathan-led administration disbursed ₦17.6 billion for flood mitigation, yet many victims received only token reliefs as low as ₦500, while numerous communities were completely left out.
“We commend the Federal Government for this new intervention.
“However, without clear frameworks for tracking, coordinating, and reporting at both federal and state levels, this fund risks being another missed opportunity,” Arigbabu added.
He demanded the publication of a detailed breakdown of the fund’s disbursement, including; amounts allocated to each state and federal MDA, names of implementing agencies, and specific communities and infrastructure projects targeted.
He also questioned the ₦10 billion allocation to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), stating that it was inadequate considering NEMA’s nationwide mandate.
He called for more support to State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and stronger accountability mechanisms.
“NEMA is the lead agency but cannot cover all flood-prone communities, especially where SEMAs are inactive.
“These agencies must be empowered, coordinated, and monitored for effective response,” Arigbabu noted.
On regional flood emergencies, he urged Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State to publish a full report on the Sept. 10, 2024, Alau Dam flooding to reassure the public and strengthen preparedness efforts.
He also demanded a thorough investigation into the recent Mokwa flood in Niger State, which claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands.
“Flooding in Nigeria is no longer an unexpected seasonal disaster, it is a predictable event.
“What we need is not just funding, but institutional discipline and strategic response.
“The success of this intervention will hinge on the integrity of its implementation,” he said.
Arigbabu enjoined all stakeholders, federal MDAs, state governments, and emergency agencies, to focus on people-centered interventions, including functional early warning systems, evacuation and emergency shelters, and sustainable drainage infrastructure.