N22.9 billion of shared ecological funds, but floods threaten millions in Nigeria

… Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Ogun among the states subject to floods with low actions

… Over 1,200 communities, 107 LG placed in high flood alert

… citizens complain of the displacement, outbreaks of diseases, loss of sustenance

Although it has received an incredible ₦ 22.9 billion of ecological funds in just five months of 2025, the Nigerian states are still struggling with a worsening of the threats of flood that have already moved millions and destroyed the sustenance across the country.

The data issued by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that between January and May 2025, the states collectively obtained ₦ 22.90 billion from the allocation of the Federation account (FAAC) pursuant to the ecological fund, designed to mitigate environmental challenges such as erosion, desertification, floods, oil spiings and drought.

The breakdown of the allocation reveals that Kano received the highest share at ₦ 1.29 billion, followed by Lagos (₦ 1.08 billion) and Borno (₦ 1.01 billion). Others include Katsina (₦ 997m), Bauchi (₦ 970m) and Oyo (₦ 909m). At the lower branch, Bayelsa – a state at high risk of flood – required only ₦ 358.8 m, the minimum among the 36 states.

Through the geopolitical areas, the North-West has developed the highest allocation with ₦ 5.85 billion, followed by the South-West (₦ 4.59 billion) and north-east (₦ 4.36 billion). South-south, home to states that produce oils prone to floods, has obtained the minimum share-₦ 2.40 billion.

However, despite these billions, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (Nihsa) has warned against imminent floods in 107 areas of the local government in 29 states and FCT between 1 September and 15 September 2025.

The agency has listed over 631 communities and more than 50 critical infrastructure points, including the main highways and bridges, at risk. He warned of the river overbanking, sudden floods, localized flood, water contamination and disease outbreaks.

Only in 2024, the floods caused 321 lives, displaced over 740,000 Nigerians and hit over 1.37 million people. Experts fear that 2025 could be worse if the states cannot effectively distribute their ecological allocations.

While Kano and Lagos have received over one billion each, states at risk of floods such as Bayelsa, Rivers and Ogun received less than half of that figure. Critics claim that this financing imbalance, combined with poor responsibility, exposes the vulnerability of Nigeria to the disasters of climate change.

The general manager of Nihsa, Umar Mohammed, urged governments to activate response plans to emergencies, evacuation routes and rescue materials, warning that the next few weeks could be decisive for millions of people who live in low and river areas.

For residents, however, numbers mean. Many continue to lose houses, farms and means of subsistence to floods, despite the billions presumably spent to protect them.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) states that the 36 States received N22.90 billion as an ecological fund from the allocation committee of the Federation account (FAAC) between January and May 2025.

The ecological fund is a component of the federal allocation of the revenue of Nigeria designed to face environmental challenges such as erosion, desertification, floods, oil spills and drought.

It is managed by the Ecological Fund Office under the office of the secretary to the Government of the Federation.

In April, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (Nihsa) warned that 1,249 communities in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) this year face a high risk of flood.

‘

Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We commit ourselves to an investigative journalism of great impact for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell other stories. Please give any amount HERE