States and Local Governments Receive N94.6bn from Ecological Funds

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed a total of N94.6 billion from the Ecological Funds to states and local governments across Nigeria, marking a significant step toward addressing environmental degradation and supporting disaster management efforts nationwide. The allocation, according to government officials, is part of the federal government’s ongoing commitment to strengthen environmental resilience and mitigate the effects of flooding, erosion, desertification, and other ecological challenges affecting communities across the country.

The Ecological Fund, which is derived from a percentage of the Federation Account, is designed to provide rapid intervention for environmental emergencies and to support long-term ecological restoration projects. A breakdown of the latest disbursement shows that states received N56.7 billion, while local governments shared N37.9 billion.

According to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the funds were distributed in line with the revenue allocation formula approved by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, following recommendations from the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The allocation takes into consideration population, landmass, and the severity of environmental issues in each state.

Government sources revealed that the funds are expected to be channelled into projects such as flood control, waste management, erosion control, and the development of sustainable environmental infrastructure. States like Anambra, Delta, Cross River, and Kogi—frequently affected by flooding—are expected to receive a higher share of the funds for immediate intervention projects.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, described the disbursement as a major boost to Nigeria’s environmental sustainability goals. He noted that many parts of the country continue to experience severe ecological problems due to urban expansion, deforestation, and poor waste disposal systems. “This intervention will enable states and local governments to address the root causes of environmental degradation and implement community-based adaptation projects,” he said.

Lawal urged state governors and local government chairmen to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the funds. He emphasized that the Ecological Fund should not be diverted for other uses but rather channelled into projects with measurable impacts. “The federal government will closely monitor the utilisation of these funds. They are meant for the people and must serve that purpose,” he warned.

Environmental experts have praised the release of the funds but cautioned that effective implementation remains key. Dr. Funmi Adesina, an environmental scientist at the University of Ibadan, said that while the disbursement is commendable, past experiences show that mismanagement often undermines the effectiveness of such interventions. “There must be strict monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure the funds translate into tangible results on the ground,” she said.

She also highlighted the need for states to prioritise sustainable solutions such as afforestation, renewable energy adoption, and proper land-use planning to mitigate the long-term effects of environmental degradation. “Flooding and erosion are symptoms of deeper systemic issues. We must address them holistically,” Adesina added.

Similarly, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) commended the federal government for the timely release of the funds, noting that many states have been struggling to finance environmental rehabilitation projects following recent natural disasters. A statement from the forum’s secretariat said the allocation would help accelerate recovery efforts and protect livelihoods in vulnerable communities.

Several local government chairmen also welcomed the development, describing it as a lifeline for rural communities often neglected in environmental planning. The Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government in Anambra State, Hon. Arinze Nwankwo, said his council had already earmarked projects to reinforce riverbanks, clear drainage channels, and relocate residents in high-risk flood zones. “We have seen too many lives lost and properties destroyed. This intervention will make a real difference,” he said.

Meanwhile, the federal government has reiterated its intention to strengthen the operations of the Ecological Fund Office (EFO) to improve efficiency and ensure that future disbursements are need-based. According to officials, the EFO will collaborate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to identify vulnerable areas and implement early warning systems.

In recent years, Nigeria has suffered severe ecological challenges, including floods that displaced hundreds of thousands and erosion that destroyed farmlands and infrastructure across several states. The 2022 flood disaster alone, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, caused economic losses exceeding N2 trillion. With the impacts of climate change intensifying, the pressure to strengthen mitigation and adaptation measures has grown more urgent.

The disbursement of N94.6 billion is part of broader federal reforms aimed at improving fiscal transparency and ensuring equitable resource distribution. The Tinubu administration has pledged to enhance the efficiency of special intervention funds and ensure they deliver measurable results.

Economists and policy analysts believe that if properly managed, the funds could stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve environmental sustainability. “Environmental rehabilitation projects can drive green growth by creating employment in sectors like construction, waste management, and renewable energy,” said economic analyst, Dr. Tunde Hassan.

However, he cautioned that corruption and poor project supervision remain major threats to the effectiveness of ecological interventions. “The key is not just to release funds but to ensure every naira is properly accounted for and that the intended communities benefit directly,” he said.

 

As states and local governments begin implementing their respective ecological projects, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether this intervention will lead to tangible improvements in environmental protection and disaster resilience. If effectively utilised, the N94.6 billion ecological fund disbursement could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against environmental degradation and pave the way for more sustainable development across the federation.