The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Federal Government to ensure that the recently approved ₦125.5 billion flood intervention fund to state governors, federal ministries, departments and agencies is subjected to the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and coordination, warning against a repeat of the ecological fund’s history of poor oversight and opaque disbursement.
In a statement signed by HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, the civil society organisation commended the government for the initiative. However, it warned that, unless properly managed, this intervention risks going the way of the ecological funds, largely disbursed without effective monitoring, results, or accountability.
Arigbabu said, “Nigerians cannot afford to repeat the ecological fund debacle. This ₦125.5 billion must not be treated as business as usual. It 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 undermine both public trust and the fund’s impact.
“In 2012, the Jonathan-led administration approved ₦17.6 billion for states affected by flooding to help mitigate the suffering of victims. However, reports showed that some direct beneficiaries received as little as ₦500, while many others got nothing at all. The funds were largely cornered by politicians, and such mismanagement must be avoided with the newly approved allocation by the Federal Government.”
HEDA further demand that a robust framework be established to coordinate and track the utilisation of the funds at both federal and state levels. The group called for the publication of detailed breakdowns showing how funds will be used, who the implementing agencies are, and the specific communities or infrastructure projects being targeted.
It further argued that the ₦10 billion allocated to NEMA is insufficient given its national mandate as Nigeria’s lead disaster responder.
“We recognise NEMA’s vital role and HEDA’s experience with NEMA as partners show that many flood-hit communities remain unreached, it cannot be everywhere at once as they are the ones flood victims are hoping on, especially in states where SEMAs are inactive or ineffective, which is why State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) must be empowered and held accountable in supporting victims within their jurisdictions,” Arigbabu said.
The group also called on Governor Babagana Zulum for a comprehensive report on the massive flooding of September 10, 2024, triggered by the Alau Dam in Borno State, and stressed that such information should be made public.
“Beyond Governor Babagana Zulum’s assurances on the dam’s structural integrity, the public deserves transparency and reassurance of their safety.
“Similarly, the recent Mokwa flood incident in Niger State, which killed hundreds, and displaced thousands should be thoroughly investigated, with the findings made public, so that appropriate support can be provided to the affected victims and avert such incidents,” Arigbabu added.
“Flooding is no longer a seasonal surprise. It is a predictable disaster that requires institutional discipline, not token gestures. The success of this intervention will depend not on the size of the fund, but on strategic use of its intervention the integrity of its use,” the statement added.
HEDA called on all stakeholders including MDAs, state governments, and emergency agencies to prioritise real, people-centered actions such as functional early warning systems, evacuation infrastructure, sustainable drainage systems, and grassroots sensitisation.