By Aminu Abubakar

Despite receiving more than N1 billion in ecological fund allocations within the 2025 fiscal year, Kwara State spent only N12.954 million on erosion and flood control projects, according to an analysis of the state’s ecological fund receipts and expenditure records.

The expenditure, described as “Erosion & Flood Control:- Channelization and Dredging of Ecological Problem,” represents barely a fraction of the N1.0234 billion received by the state between January and December 2025.

An examination of the monthly ecological allocations showed that Kwara received varying sums throughout the year, with total receipts rising steadily in the second half of the year.

The state received N57 million in January, N70.8 million in February, N75.8 million in March, N69.9 million in April, N75.3 million in May, and N68.9 million in June. Allocations increased significantly in the latter half of the year, with N87.6 million received in July, N101 million in August, N112.9 million in September, N93 million in October, N104 million in November, and N107.2 million in December.

The total receipts for the year amounted to N1.0234 billion, with an average monthly allocation of approximately N85.3 million.

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However, records reviewed showed that only N12.954 million was specifically linked to erosion and flood control through channelization and dredging interventions.

The spending pattern has raised questions over the utilisation of ecological funds, particularly at a time when several communities across Nigeria continue to grapple with severe flooding, erosion, drainage collapse and environmental degradation.

Ecological funds are federal allocations meant to address pressing environmental challenges including flood disasters, erosion control, drought, desertification, oil spill remediation and other ecological threats.

The analysis further showed that the state recorded its highest ecological allocation in September with N112.9 million, while the lowest inflow was in January at N57 million.

Quarterly analysis of the receipts revealed that Kwara received N203.6 million in the first quarter, N214.1 million in the second quarter, N301.5 million in the third quarter and N304.2 million in the fourth quarter.

The last two quarters alone accounted for more than half of the total annual receipts, with N605.7 million received between July and December.

Observers say the disparity between the volume of ecological receipts and the amount spent on erosion and flood control may intensify public scrutiny over the management and prioritisation of ecological intervention funds.

The issue of ecological fund utilisation has increasingly become a subject of public concern in Nigeria, especially during periods of flooding and environmental emergencies.

In recent years, several states have faced criticism over the handling of ecological allocations amid recurring flood disasters that have displaced residents, destroyed farmlands and damaged infrastructure.

Read Also:Kwara LGAs receive N97.2 billion FAAC allocation in 2025

Kwara State, like many parts of the country, has experienced seasonal flooding in vulnerable communities, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Residents in some flood-prone areas have repeatedly called for improved drainage systems, desilting of waterways and long-term erosion control measures to reduce the impact of flooding on homes, roads and farmlands.

Environmental experts have also stressed the importance of sustained ecological interventions, warning that inadequate investment in flood mitigation could worsen the humanitarian and economic consequences of climate-related disasters.

The N12.954 million expenditure on “channelization and dredging of ecological problem” represents roughly 1.3 per cent of the total ecological funds received by the state within the year under review.

The figures suggest that for every N100 received through ecological allocations, only about N1.30 was spent on erosion and flood control projects captured in the reviewed expenditure item.

The fourth quarter alone accounted for the largest share of receipts, with over N304 million received between October and December.

December recorded one of the highest monthly allocations at N107.2 million, coming after N104 million received in November and N93 million in October.

The steady increase in allocations from July onward contrasted sharply with the relatively limited spending identified for erosion and flood control interventions.

Nigeria has witnessed repeated flood disasters in recent years, with communities across several states suffering loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of residents.

Experts warn that failure to invest adequately in preventive ecological projects such as drainage expansion, dredging, embankment reinforcement and erosion control could increase future disaster risks.

Read Also:Flood expected in Kano, Borno,Lagos, Kwara, 29 other states, FCT — Minister

The analysis of Kwara’s 2025 ecological receipts and spending comes amid broader conversations on accountability in public finance management and the effectiveness of intervention funds.

While the ecological allocations exceeded N1 billion within the year, the comparatively modest expenditure of N12.954 million on erosion and flood control projects is likely to fuel further debate over environmental funding priorities and the implementation of ecological interventions in the state.

On Monday, May 18, 2026, it was reported that commuters travelling along the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway in Kwara State were left stranded  after heavy flooding overtook the collapsed Moro Bridge, submerging vehicles and disrupting movement across the busy interstate route.

The development was blamed on an overnight downpour that caused the Moro River to overflow its banks, leaving several vehicles trapped in floodwaters, while desperate passengers reportedly climbed onto car roofs awaiting rescue.

In 2023, it was reported that a total of 1, 300 households and 2, 800 persons were affected in the flood disaster that also submerged large hectares of farmland and houses in Patigi.

Also in July 2023, the Minna operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) alerted some of the residents in Kwara of an impending flood, Head of NEMA Minna operations office, Hajia Zainab Saidu in a statement, predicted flooding in Kwara state, including Ilorin West and Ilorin East.

Public finance advocates have repeatedly called for greater transparency in the management of ecological funds, arguing that citizens should be able to track how allocations intended for environmental protection are deployed.

They maintain that ecological funds are critical given the growing threats posed by flooding, climate change and environmental degradation across the country.