{
  "id": 11439249,
  "title": "Despite billions released, Nigeria still not ready for floods — Ex-NEMA boss",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/despite-billions-released-nigeria-still-not-ready-for-floods-ex-nema-11439249",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T12:46:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/despite-billions-released-nigeria-still-not-ready-for-floods-ex-nema-boss/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former NEMA boss Air Vice Marshal Akugbe Iyamu has criticized the use of billions of Naira released for flood preparedness in Nigeria, stating that the funds are being mismanaged and not deployed effectively to prevent damage. Iyamu highlighted that the Ecological Fund, established in 1982, has seen its allocation increase over time, but the money is still being used for state allocations rather than preventive measures. He emphasized the need to reset the purpose of the Ecological Fund, as per Section 20 of the Nigerian Constitution, and called for better transparency and accountability in its management. Iyamu also pointed out the irreversible damage done to Abuja's drainage system, calling for a return to the original master plan that would have prevented flooding.",
  "summary": "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:…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Despite billions released, Nigeria still not ready for floods — Ex-NEMA boss",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/despite-billions-released-nigeria-still-not-ready-for-floods-ex-nema",
        "published": "2026-10-02T12:30:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}