Despite billions released, Nigeria still not ready for floods — Ex-NEMA boss
Nigeria has sufficient data and early warnings to prepare for flooding, but poor use of available funds and information continues to leave vulnerable communities exposed to displacement, destruction of homes and disruption of livelihoods, a former acting Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Air Vice Marshal Akugbe Iyamu (retd.), has said. Iyamu, who spoke Read More:…
Former National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) boss, Air Vice Marshal Akugbe Iyamu, has criticized the ineffective use of funds and data in Nigeria's response to recurring floods. Despite billions of Naira released for disaster preparedness, vulnerable communities continue to suffer displacement, home destruction, and livelihood disruption.
Iyamu questioned the allocation of Ecological Fund resources, arguing that they should be used to prevent flooding rather than responding after damage. He highlighted changes in rainfall patterns that should have warned authorities to strengthen flood preparedness, with rainfall increasing from 1,150 mm to 4,000 mm between 2023 and 2025.
Iyamu also criticized bureaucracy and a lack of transparency in managing flood prevention funds, urging states to separate these funds from regular allocations. He called for the restoration of Abuja's original master plan and for the Ecological Fund to be used for preventive measures such as building sandbanks and riverbanks.
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