Reps tells FG to disburse N5bn ecological fund to states to assist flood victims

The House of Representatives on Monday told the Federal Government to release N5 billion into the Ecological Fund Account for each state and FCT to assist victims of flooding.

The House at plenary adopted a motion of urgent public importance  by Henry Nwawuba (APGA-Imo). Nwawuba, presenting the motion, titled: “Need for Strategic Planning and Funding to Prevent the Recurrence of Flood Disaster in Nigeria in 2023 and Beyond”, emphasised that the devastating effect of flooding on property, lives, animals, farms were unquantifiable, saying that the impact of flooding is worrisome.

The lawmakers  said that the recent unpleasant experience could have been avoided if government had identified the peculiarity of risk the citizenry were exposed to base on the country’s geographical positioning.

He said strategic planning and adequate funding would help mitigate the effects and facilitate quick and better recovery of lives, properties, economy, and overall environment.

The lawmakers also said that with the public outcry of limited funds, reactive response should be changed to proactive response to increase effectiveness of management and reduce loss of lives and property.

According to Nwawuba, “It is in this light therefore that I appeal to the federal government, through the  Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and Office of the Accountant General Office of the Federation, to release immediately N5 billion to states.

“This will serve as intervention fund for mitigation, recovery and relieve programmes across the nation.”

The House mandated the Committee on Appropriation to make provision of N200 billion in the 2023 budget for ecological project office for flood preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and relieve packages.

It also mandated the committee on Legislative Agenda to coordinate a Technical Working Group between the executive and legislature as well as Industrial experts and stakeholders to articulate an Action Plan.

The House mandated the committee on legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report to the House within one week.