Daud Olatunji
In the first half of 2024, six South-West states in Nigeria received a total of N4.03 billion from the Federal Government’s ecological fund, which was disbursed by the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
This fund, which is crucial for addressing the country’s significant environmental challenges, was part of the N24.91 billion allocated to all 36 states of the federation during the period.
According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Lagos State received the highest share of the ecological fund in the South-West region, amounting to N880.19 million.
Following Lagos, Oyo State was allocated N736.94 million, while Ondo and Ogun States received N611.64 million and N610.43 million, respectively.
Osun State was allocated N599.24 million, and Ekiti State received N587.49 million.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the N4.03 billion allocated to the South-West constitutes approximately 16.16% of the total N24.91 billion ecological fund distributed across the country within the first six months of 2024.
This fund is specifically designed to support state governments in mitigating environmental issues such as erosion, flooding, desertification, and oil spills.
The ecological fund is managed by the Ecological Fund Office, which operates under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
This office is responsible for ensuring that the disbursed funds are utilized effectively to address the pressing environmental challenges that threaten communities across Nigeria.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed an increase in extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) highlighted these issues in its 2023 State of Climate Report, noting that states such as Adamawa, Yobe, Lagos, Plateau, Taraba, Anambra, Delta, Ogun, and Katsina were significantly affected by flooding.
Over 157,159 individuals were impacted by floods last year, with 68,000 displaced from their homes.
The ecological challenges have continued into 2024, with several states experiencing adverse environmental events.
For instance, a severe rainstorm in Miango district, Bassa LGA of Plateau State, on May 7, injured three people and damaged over 200 houses. Similarly, on July 21, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that flooding in Gada LGA of Sokoto State affected 1,664 individuals.
In Kaduna State, floods destroyed at least 200 houses in Sabon-Gari and Zaria LGAs on August 28, according to the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA).
Across the geopolitical zones, the North-West region received the highest ecological fund allocation in the first half of 2024, totaling N5.52 billion, followed by the North-East with N4.16 billion.
The North-Central region was allocated N4.12 billion, while the South-South and South-East regions received N3.89 billion and N3.20 billion, respectively.
Kano State topped the list of recipients with an allocation of N1.04 billion, making it the highest recipient of ecological funds in the first half of the year.
Other states with significant allocations include Kaduna (N860.88 million), Borno (N816.34 million), Katsina (N807.67 million), Bauchi (N785.93 million), and Niger (N778.29 million).
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
