In an open letter dated September 21, 2024, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP highlighted concerns over the management of these funds, particularly the N816 million collected from January to June 2024.

SERAP’s appeal calls for the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and relevant anti-corruption agencies to scrutinize the expenditures of the Ecological Fund. The organization has also requested that the President ensure access to justice for victims affected by flooding in Borno State.

The group emphasized the importance of tracking and monitoring the spending of Ecological Funds not just in Borno but also across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory and local government areas. SERAP asserted that any suspected corruption or mismanagement should lead to prosecution and the recovery of misappropriated funds.

READ ALSO: Governor Zulum Commissions 500 Resettlement Houses in Borno State

Addressing the issue of flooding, SERAP reminded the government of its obligation to prevent and mitigate the impact of ecological disasters. The organization noted that while governors enjoy immunity from prosecution during their tenure, this does not extend to investigations once they leave office.

Recent floods in Borno have reportedly killed over 30 people and displaced about one million residents, many of whom lack food and clean water. SERAP reiterated the necessity for the government to provide adequate support to those affected and to investigate the alleged mismanagement of funds that were intended to address such crises.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram Destroys 25 Newly Built Homes in Dikwa, Borno State

The letter stresses the need for accountability in the use of Ecological Funds, highlighting that past audits revealed significant mismanagement and diversion of resources. SERAP underscored the constitutional and legal obligations of the government to protect the rights of citizens, particularly in the face of natural disasters exacerbated by corruption.

SERAP concluded by urging the government to take prompt action, warning that if their demands are not addressed within seven days, they would consider legal measures to ensure compliance.

The post SERAP Calls for Investigation into Ecological Funds Mismanagement in Borno State appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Ukange Ichivirbee, the Head of Grants and Partnership and Climate Change Thematic Lead at the Women Environmental Programme, highlighted that the ecological fund is a crucial financial mechanism designated by the Nigerian government to address environmental and climate change-related issues across all levels of government in the country.

However, the allocation of these funds is often influenced by political considerations, leading to resources being directed to politically connected states or projects rather than areas with the greatest need.

This, according to Ichivirbee, hampers the effectiveness and fairness of flood management efforts in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Federal Government of Nigeria Signs MoU On Climate Change with UN Agencies

One of the major issues highlighted is the lack of transparency in the allocation and utilization of ecological funds, particularly by state governments.

Decision-making processes regarding the funds often lack openness, and information about fund disbursement, project selection, and implementation progress is not readily available to the public.

This opacity creates opportunities for corruption and undermines public trust.

READ ALSO: Delta Communities Reject Government’s Claim of Resolving Land Dispute

To address these challenges, Ichivirbee emphasized the need for concerted efforts to strengthen governance, enhance transparency and accountability, and involve the public in monitoring and evaluating the use of ecological funds in Nigeria.

The post Climate Experts Decry Political Interference in Ecological Funds Allocation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.