EX-NEMA BOSS CALLS FOR BETTER USE OF FLOOD PREVENTION FUNDS

A former acting Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Air Vice Marshal Akugbe Iyamu (retd.), has called for stronger flood prevention measures and better management of funds allocated to address ecological challenges in Nigeria.

Iyamu said Nigeria had access to rainfall data and early warning information that could help authorities prepare for flooding before communities are affected.

He questioned how the Ecological Fund and other resources released for disaster preparedness had been used, arguing that more attention should be given to preventive measures rather than emergency response after floods occur.

According to Iyamu, N109bn was released to states from the Ecological Fund between 2023 and 2025. He said greater transparency and accountability were needed to ensure such funds were used for their intended purposes.

He also called for better coordination among agencies responsible for weather forecasting, flood monitoring and emergency response.

On Abuja, Iyamu attributed some flooding challenges to changes made to the city’s original drainage and water-flow designs. He urged authorities to review the original master plan and restore important drainage channels.

For other parts of the country, he recommended preventive infrastructure such as riverbanks and sandbanks, alongside stronger anticipatory action systems.

Iyamu said improving flood preparedness would reduce the disruption of homes, livelihoods and infrastructure during periods of heavy rainfall.