Flood-Prone Kogi State Spends N8million On Flooding Control, N2.2billion On Remodelling Government House In Six Months
In contrast, in the same period, the sum of N2.2 billion was spent remodelling government houses by the state government.
A review of the Kogi State budget performance documents has shown that the state spent N8million on flood and erosion control in the six months of 2024.
This development is despite the fact that the state is highly prone to flooding.
In contrast, in the same period, the sum of N2.2 billion was spent remodelling government houses by the state government.
The state also spent another N2.2 billion on honorarium, refreshments and welfare packages in the first six months of the year.
This totals N4.4 billion on remodeling government house, honorarium and refreshments while erosion and flooding which claimed lives and properties could only get N8 million in the same six months period.
Kogi is listed as one of the twenty-nine states ravaged by flooding this year.
As of the time of this report, the state government noted that at least 250,000 persons are at the risk of being displaced due to flooding in the state while 42 internally displaced persons camps have been set up.
In 2022, Kogi also battled flooding that led to loss of lives and properties.
Just about the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government listed Kogi State as one the states to watch out for flooding that may happen due to release of water from the Benue River.
There have been concerns about the willingness of state governments to spend on erosion and flooding control.
This is despite millions received as ecological funds by state governments every month, which has been said to be largely unaccounted for by respective governments.
