As Nigeria faces severe flooding and erosion, a recent review of spending data from Govspend and the Open Treasury portal has raised concerns about the government’s spending priorities under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Data from the Open Treasury Portal, a federal government platform for public payments, shows that N5.642 billion was allocated for flood and erosion control in the first half of 2024. This spending comes even though N167 billion was budgeted for the same purpose in the 2024 fiscal year.
Further analysis of Govspend data reveals that between May and July 2024, the Tinubu administration spent N14 billion on non-essential expenditures, including the renovation of Presidential Quarters, honorariums, presidential trips, and the purchase of foreign exchange.
For instance, on July 19, the presidency reportedly spent N150 million on travel and related expenses. This is particularly troubling as floods have been linked to the deaths of 205 people across two states and displaced 225,169 individuals from their homes.
Critics have questioned the government’s commitment to addressing flooding and erosion, despite billions allocated for ecological funds. This issue isn’t limited to the federal government; state governments have also been criticized for their negligence in managing these environmental challenges.
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