A review of data on the Open Treasury Portal has shown that the Nigerian government allocated N167.3billion for erosion and flood control in 2024 per details under the State House expenditure.
However, only N8.6billion or 5.1% of the approved budget was actually spent.
This expenditure, categorised under the State House headquarters, contrasts sharply with the approved budget and comes despite numerous reports of fatalities caused by flooding and erosion across Nigeria in the same year.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that by October 15, 2024, more than 300 people had died due to flooding. Additionally, the flood crisis contributed to a cholera outbreak, claiming 350 lives.
In September 2024, devastating floods submerged over half of Maiduguri in Borno State, exacerbating the national crisis under the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
The issue of underfunding isn’t limited to the Tinubu government; many states have also failed to adequately invest in flood and erosion control.
For instance, SaharaReporters previously highlighted that while one state allocated N1 billion for food supplies and catering, it only spent N63.5 million on flood and erosion control between January and September 2024.
Similarly, Taraba State spent N2.6 billion on office furniture but allocated just N496.5 million for erosion/flood control.
This underinvestment in flood and erosion control continues to leave Nigerian communities vulnerable to the devastating effects of these natural disasters.
Erosion and flooding have been linked to crops destruction which has also increased food inflation worsening the standard of living in the country.
