DESPITE allocating over N1.65 billion to address flooding and erosion issues in Borno state, findings by The ICIR revealed that only 1.2 per cent of the allocation has been released. 

The ICIR gathered this data by reviewing the budget implementation reports of the states for both the first and second quarters of 2024. The BIR document provides insights into what the state government spent in a fiscal year.

Borno State allocated N1.6 billion for erosion and flood control which is about 0.35 per cent of its total budget (N358.73 billion) but only released N20 million in the second quarter of the year. 

These findings are coming days after floodings had displaced thousands of residents from the Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that more than 30 people have died and over 400,000 displaced in the state capital. 

The ICIR reports that the ravaging flood displaced residents and destroyed their homes while also displacing animals from the zoo.

International bodies like the United Nations and the Nigerian Red Cross Society had called for intervention as the floods might propel the spread of disease.

The ICIR had reported how a lack of preparedness in allocating funds and utilisation of ecological funds might put several states at risk of flooding following the prediction by NEMA. 

Findings from quarrying the budget, with specific keywords related to flooding, showed that a total of N59.16 billion was budgeted by the 33 states to address flood and erosion-related projects.

Borno had one of the highest budget allocations for flooding among the other states. 

A flood risk consultant, Taiwo Ogunwumi, told The ICIR that finance is required for the development and implementation of engineering projects that can enhance mitigation and adaptation to flood.

“There will need for conducting independent audits of flood mitigation projects and expenditures, also implementing strong anti-corruption measures and institutions to monitor and prevent misuse of funds. I also think some states struggle with knowing the solution to invest in, getting advice from flood risk consultants and other environmental managers might be necessary,” Ogunwumi said.

In 2022, more than 85,000 people were affected by flooding in Borno state with over 35,000 of these affected persons displaced from their respective communities.

Ecological fund to the state

Aside from annual budgeting, the 36 states receive ecological funds disbursed by the federal government to fund projects mitigating ecological-related problems like flooding. 

This is one per cent allocation from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) monthly disbursements shared within all government levels.

Data gathered by The ICIR showed that N815.9 million was received by the state as ecological funds between January and June 2024. 

Table showing ecological funds disbursed to Borno state. Source NBS FAAC

Findings revealed that Borno State received one of the highest allocations compared to other 36 states within the period under review. However, the recent outburst of flooding, displacing people from communities, questions the effective utilisation of the funding received by the state. 

Kehinde OGUNYALE

Kehinde Ogunyale tells stories by using data to hold power into account. You can send him a mail at [email protected] (jameskennyogunyale@gmail) or Twitter: Prof_KennyJames