FG Disburses N39.6bn In Ecological Funds To 36 States

FG Disburses N39.6bn In Ecological Funds To 36 States

From June 2023 to June 2024, Nigeria’s 36 states collectively received N39.62 billion in ecological fund allocations, according to data from the Federation Account Allocation Committee released by the National Bureau of Statistics…….. CONTINUE READING

The ecological fund, established in 1981 and sourced from two percent of the Federation Account, is intended to tackle environmental challenges such as erosion, desertification, flooding, oil spills, and drought. Managed by the Ecological Fund Office under the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the fund aims to assist various levels of government in addressing these issues.

In the past year, Kano State received the highest allocation of N2.1 billion, averaging N175 million per month, due to severe environmental challenges. Borno State followed with N1.68 billion, averaging N140 million per month, reflecting the impact of insurgency-related damage.

Recent heavy rains have caused significant disruptions, including making parts of the Kano-Maiduguri highway impassable. The Federal Government has terminated the contract for Section 1 of this road project due to delays, as announced by Minister of Works David Umahi. An assessment of the road project has been ordered.

A United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report revealed that severe weather between April and July 2024 affected 124,275 individuals across 56 internally displaced persons (IDP) sites in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The report noted a 7% increase in weather-related incidents compared to the previous year, exacerbating conditions for over a million IDPs.

Top ecological fund recipients also include Lagos with N1.81 billion, Kaduna with N1.4 billion, and Sokoto with N1.49 billion. In contrast, states with lower allocations include Kwara (N602.3 million), Bayelsa (N598.79 million), and Ondo (N629.42 million).

Adamawa received N1.24 billion for issues such as erosion and flooding, while Anambra was allocated N1.35 billion. Benue, dealing with desertification and flooding, received N758.97 million, and Cross River was allocated N680 million for deforestation and erosion management.

Experts stress the importance of the ecological fund in supporting environmental protection projects and mitigating climate change impacts. However, concerns about the fund’s transparency and effectiveness have been raised. Victor Agi from the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Accountability criticized the lack of transparency and suggested that direct federal management of the fund might ensure better accountability. Environmental economist Tobi Awolope emphasized the need for clear objectives and impact assessments to ensure that funds effectively reach intended beneficiaries and achieve their goals.

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