Nigeria

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The death of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari in a London hospital has once again spotlighted the country’s long-standing crisis in healthcare delivery, especially among its elite. 

Buhari, 82, died on Saturday, July 13, after a prolonged illness reportedly linked to leukaemia. Despite leading Africa’s most populous nation and the continent’s largest economy, he died not on Nigerian soil, but under foreign care.

His passing mirrors a now-familiar pattern among Nigeria’s political class: fleeing abroad for treatment, even for routine ailments, only to eventually die in foreign hospitals. Buhari, who frequently sought medical attention in the United Kingdom during his presidency, had once campaigned on the promise of reducing medical tourism. Instead, he became one of its most prominent symbols.

Public reaction has been swift and critical. Muhammad Shakir Balogun, a resident advisor with the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (NFELTP), condemned the trend in a widely shared Facebook post. Drawing comparisons with African icons like Nelson Mandela and Jerry Rawlings—both of whom received treatment and died in their home countries—Balogun wrote:

“They were not flown to London, Paris, or Amsterdam. They were attended to in their own countries by their own doctors… What of Nigeria, the giant of Africa? Even those who campaigned on the moral pedestal of not going abroad for treatment turned out to be the worst offenders ever.”

He called on current President Bola Tinubu to “break the despicable and shameless tradition” by ensuring at least one world-class hospital exists within Nigeria—“even if it’s a military hospital.”

Yet, President Tinubu himself has also faced criticism for continuing the same tradition. Since assuming office in May 2023, he has reportedly travelled to Paris multiple times for medical checkups, reinforcing the perception that Nigerian leaders lack confidence in the very healthcare system they oversee.

Critics argue that the reliance on foreign healthcare is not just a failure of policy but a profound betrayal of public trust. Nigeria’s public hospitals suffer from underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure, and a mass exodus of medical professionals, many of whom now work in the very countries to which Nigerian leaders turn in times of illness.

With Buhari’s burial scheduled for today in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, attention is turning not just to the legacy of his leadership, but to the urgent need for healthcare reform at home, so that future presidents may live, heal, and if necessary, die on Nigerian soil.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

I didn’t feel very emotional when I first heard about the death of Muhammadu Buhari. Until this morning, when I came across one of his speeches from the 2023 campaign. In that speech, he reflected on his life, the approaching end of his tenure, and his return home. He bade farewell and admonished the congress and the Nigerian people with good leadership, honesty, and trustworthiness. Watching that speech now, occasioned by his passing, felt like listening to a wasiyya, a final will, from one of my dying parents. For the first time, I found my eyes welling up over someone’s death. 

The death of the former president shouldn’t come as a surprise. At 82, he had lived a full, ripe, and by many standards, successful life. Yet many of us were caught unprepared by his passing. He was much in the spotlight, with his move from his Daura residence to a renovated home in Kaduna, and visits from opposition figures, leading to the APC’s restlessness and the immediate response from the then APC chairman, “Habu Na Habu”. 

The last time Buhari was in the news, it was due to rumours that he had slipped into a coma and was in critical condition—claims swiftly denied by Garba Shehu. Like many staunch Buharists, I didn’t take those rumours seriously. After all, we had heard many such baseless reports before.

Two key lessons I’ve taken from Buhari’s leadership: one about Buhari himself, and the second about the general society. For Buhari, integrity and honesty, while essential, are not enough on their own to bring about revolutionary change. I’ve followed transformational leaders like Lee Kuan Yew. Like Buhari, he was tough and sincere. But what set him apart was his well-defined economic philosophy and strategic vision. Buhari, by contrast, appeared to rely heavily on the capacity of his advisers and inner circle. 

For Nigerians, even the much-touted Lee Kuan Yew may still not be enough to deliver the revolutionary change. This is because the mindset and orientation of much of Nigerian society are often at odds with the very change they claim to seek. Many did not fully understand the nature or depth of the “change” being clamoured for in the first place. In contrast, a significant portion of Singaporean society shared in Lee Kuan Yew’s vision—or were at least willing to align themselves with a national revolution. That collective readiness made transformation possible. In Nigeria, however, the societal psyche remains a major barrier to meaningful reform.

History is best understood by future generations. Chairman Mao was once seen as merely a rebel, yet he eventually seized power and reshaped global history. How he was perceived a hundred years ago stands in stark contrast to how he’s viewed today. 

President Muhammadu Buhari came, did his part, and has now taken his bow. Time will reveal the full weight of his legacy. Good night, Baba. May your soul rest in Jannatul Firdaus.

By Anwar Usman

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe state Professor Umaru Alhaji Pate, has been elected a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL).

Pate’s election was approved by the College of Fellows during a meeting held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

The Academy also announced other new Fellows both Regular and Overseas as well as Honorary Fellows and recipients of its 2025 Awards of Excellence in Humanistic Practice.

Professor Pate, a scholar in Communication and Media Studies, was recognized for his works in journalism education and university leadership.

NAL, in a statement, said the formal inauguration of Professor Pate and other newly elected Fellows will take place on August 14, 2025, during the Academy’s 27th Convocation at the University of Lagos.

The statement in part reads “The investiture of the new Fellows and the conferment of awards will take place during the Academy’s 27th Convocation”.

Other newly elected Fellows include Professor Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole and Professor Temisanren Ebijuwa in Classical Studies, Philosophy, and Religions; Professor Emeritus Alkasum Abba in Historical Studies; and Professors Gbemisola Aderemi Adeoti, Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, and Victor Chiagozie Ariole in Literary Studies.

In Cultural Studies, Creative Writing, Theatre, Visual and Performing Arts, the Fellows are Professors Mohammed Inuwa Umar-Buratai, Ameh Dennis Akoh, and Charles Emeka Nwadigwe.

In Linguistics, Professors Gideon Sunday Omachonu and Obiajulu Augustine Emejulu were named.

Professor Akinwumi Ogundiran was elected an Overseas Fellow in Historical Studies.

The Academy of Letters further revealed that, the event will mark a moment to reflect on “the profound contributions of these individuals to humanistic scholarship and practice.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of a container carrying more than 10,000 donkey genitals along the Kaduna–Abuja Highway.

The disclosure was made by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, through the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, during a press conference held at the government warehouse in Karu, Abuja, on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Maiwada said the interception was part of ongoing efforts by the Customs to combat illegal wildlife trade through the activities of its Special Wildlife Office (SWO), which operates under the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU).

He explained that the unit’s mandate includes intelligence gathering, profiling, investigations, and enforcement against criminal networks involved in trafficking endangered species.

According to CGC Adeniyi, officers of the SWO and CIU carried out the operation on June 5, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m. following actionable intelligence.

He noted that the interception highlights the continuous threat posed by transnational syndicates exploiting Nigeria’s trade routes.

He stated that in line with established procedures, the confiscated wildlife products would be transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to ensure inter-agency cooperation and environmental protection.

Adeniyi also reviewed the Service’s wildlife enforcement track record over the past year. He mentioned that in December 2024, six African Grey Parrots were confiscated in Kano, while in May 2025, Customs officials at Lagos Airport intercepted various animals including two live pangolins, five Mona monkeys, two Tantalus monkeys, one baby baboon, and another African Grey Parrot.

“In a separate operation, officers arrested a suspect in the Ikom area of Cross River State in connection with 213 parrot heads, six eagle heads, 128 hornbill heads, and other exotic species,” he added.

He further stated, “On 13 January 2025, tortoises were rescued and handed over to the National Park Service in Oyo State. We have also recorded seizures of taxidermy specimens such as life-sized lions, zebra hides, gorilla parts, and pangolin scales.”

Adeniyi also revealed that a container loaded with 119.4 kilograms of pangolin scales was intercepted in Calabar, and in Fufore, Adamawa State, 120 African Grey Parrots were rescued while a suspect was apprehended.

“These figures underscore the scale and sophistication of illegal wildlife trade. It is not just an ecological issue, but one tied to organised crimes, including money laundering, arms smuggling, and illicit currency flows,” he said.

He affirmed the Service’s commitment to curbing wildlife crime through advanced tools, noting that Customs is now investing in digital surveillance, cross-border cooperation, and species identification technologies.

“Our Wildlife Office’s investigations, including digital forensics and phone analysis of suspects, have strengthened our evidence base, with several prosecutions currently underway,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, the Head of the Customs Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller Anuhu Mani, acknowledged the support of local and international conservation groups and neighbouring enforcement agencies.

He specifically appreciated organisations such as Focused Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, Wild Power Trust, Green Fingers, and Padrilas for their collaborative efforts.

By Muhammad Abubakar 

Professor Abdelghaffar Amoka of the Department of Physics at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has responded strongly to what he calls a “misinformed and politically biased” opinion by Sunusi Musa, SAN, regarding the state of Nigerian academia.

In a lengthy rejoinder titled “The Impoverished Nigerian Professors and the ‘Unpopular Opinion’ of a Misinformed SAN,” Prof. Amoka criticised Musa for attributing the poverty of Nigerian professors to their alleged lack of productivity and large family sizes. 

Amoka argued that the true cause lies in the systemic neglect and chronic underfunding of the Nigerian education sector, particularly university staff salaries and research funding.

He noted that academic salaries have remained stagnant since 2009, with professors now earning the equivalent of less than $400 per month, a sharp drop from over $3,000 in 2009. He described the situation as a “crime against humanity,” accusing the political class of starving intellectuals while enriching themselves.

Amoka debunked the claim that Nigerian academics are unproductive, citing the international recognition they receive and their contributions to research and student success abroad. 

He further pointed out the lack of sufficient research funding, comparing Nigeria’s meagre investments to the billions spent annually by countries like the US, UK, China, and even smaller nations such as Norway and Malaysia.

The professor further criticised the SAN for bringing personal life choices—such as marriage and family size—into a discussion about national policy failure. He emphasised that productivity in academia depends on conducive working conditions and appropriate incentives.

Amoka ended the piece by urging fellow academics to prioritise their well-being, pursue legitimate side hustles if necessary, and continue doing their best to sustain a struggling system. He warned that the continued devaluation of education poses a threat to the country’s future.

“We are starving the thinkers and feeding those who can’t think. What sort of system are we expecting to create?” he asked.

By Oladoja M.O

In an age where access to information is boundless and opinions flood our timelines like seasonal rains, one would expect public discourse, especially around issues of governance to be rich with nuance, clarity, and purpose. Instead, what we are confronted with in Nigeria is a noisy theatre of misdirected outrage and watery criticism, lacking both depth and direction. 

One recent trigger came from the viral criticisms surrounding the national budget, particularly the eyebrow-raising figures allegedly earmarked for streetlight poles and similar line items. As is typical in the social media age, the noise began to swell. Twitter went into a frenzy. Threads upon threads emerged, each outdoing the other in outrage. The focus wasn’t just on the figures; it quickly spiralled into yet another populist takedown of the presidency, calling into question the entire moral fabric of governance. But just when the public’s fury had reached a crescendo, a jarring but necessary intervention came from an unlikely source: a senator who, contrary to the collective narrative, took time to explain that the criticism was misdirected. What was being paraded as evidence of executive recklessness was, in fact, the product of legislative insertions. Even the revered watchdog body, BudgIt, which had positioned itself as the conscience of fiscal scrutiny, had peddled the wrong story, and done so confidently.

At that point, a deeper question emerged, one which goes beyond this specific incident: What exactly is the quality of criticism in Nigeria?

What we see across our social and political landscapes is not a culture of informed criticism but a culture of reactive condemnation. The ability to shout the loudest, to gather the most retweets or likes, has replaced the discipline of patient inquiry, structural understanding, and fact-based argument. We have mistaken noise for scrutiny, and in doing so, we have created an illusion: an illusion of outrage and criticism. Here’s the tragic irony: many of these criticisms stem from a good place, the desire for accountability and a better Nigeria. But because the foundation is faulty, the outcomes are futile. One cannot build a temple of truth on a foundation of ignorance. The budget saga is just one example among many.

BudgIt, a civil society organisation that has in the past done commendable work in simplifying the budget for the public, got it wrong this time, badly. Yet, even in the face of clarification, corrections, and new evidence, there was no public recant, no humility to say, “We were mistaken.” That act of refusal: the inability to admit error and recalibrate, is itself a glaring indicator of the intellectual poverty that plagues Nigerian criticism. In a land where saving face is prioritised over seeking truth, errors are not corrected; they are doubled down upon. And the implications are devastating. Public trust becomes confused and misdirected. The presidency gets blamed for what is, in fact, a legislative manoeuvre. Activists spend more time dragging the wrong institutions while the real culprits laugh quietly in the shadows. The people remain stirred but unenlightened, angry, yes, but none the wiser.

This shallow approach to criticism bleeds into other national conversations. Take the fixation on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. A project that, whether justifiable or not, deserves technical, economic, and legal analysis is instead reduced to a carnival of trendy hashtags. Populists slam it without understanding its scope, funding model, or long-term impact. No consideration is given to feasibility studies, displacement issues, or cost-benefit analyses. No proper questions asked about procurement processes or federal-state cooperation. Instead, the discourse becomes a jamboree, a performance of rage designed to court virality, not accountability.

This is not criticism. It is a parody of it.

And just when you think the poverty of insight couldn’t dig deeper, reality offers more proof. Consider Peter Obi’s recent Democracy Day speech. In his attempt to discuss democracy, he instead ended up distorting history and misrepresenting the very fabric of the democratic struggle in Nigeria. A man who, during the dark days of military rule, was cosy with the system’s power brokers, now stands on podiums speaking as though he bore scars from that era. When real patriots were sacrificing their lives, fleeing their homes, and watching their properties burned for daring to speak truth to power, Obi stood closer to the oppressor than the oppressed. Yet today, he speaks with the authority of the afflicted. That, too, is born of ignorance, not just his, but the ignorance of the audience clapping in affirmation, unaware of the truth.

Even more revealing was the reaction to President Tinubu’s Democracy Day awards. Nigerians, young and old, in all corners of the internet, questioned why certain figures were honoured, some even asking, “Who are the Ogoni 9?” Others criticised the President for not awarding campaign allies, as though national honours were a reward system for electoral foot soldiers. It was laughable, yet tragic. How can you even begin to criticise a government when you don’t understand the very history of the democracy you claim to defend? How do you talk about national direction when your knowledge of national evolution is trapped in recent memory, as if Nigeria started in 2023?

It’s not just young people, either. Some of the loudest voices in the room, middle-aged, supposedly experienced, display a kind of ignorance so raw, you’d think the only political event they’ve lived through was a Twitter space. This is why we are where we are: a nation speaking loud but saying little, reacting fast but knowing nothing.

True criticism demands hard work. It requires research, attention to context, historical awareness, and, above all, intellectual honesty. You cannot meaningfully critique governance structures without understanding the separation of powers. You cannot hold public office holders accountable when you confuse federal responsibilities with local ones. You cannot demand transparency when your tools of inquiry are faulty. And in this desert of rigorous public engagement, one cannot help but mourn the absence of voices like that of Gani Fawehinmi: voices forged in the fire of truth, unseduced by populism, unshaken by power. Gani didn’t criticise for clout; he criticised with clarity. He did not shout merely to be heard; he roared because he understood. He was, above all, consistent, a virtue alien to many of today’s keyboard crusaders.

What Nigeria faces is not a lack of criticism; it’s an excess of uninformed, performative, and ultimately useless criticism. And therein lies the danger. Because when the noise becomes the norm, it drowns out the voices that actually matter. When every outrage is manufactured, real outrage loses its power. When critique becomes theatre, accountability becomes a joke.

To move forward as a nation, we must re-engineer our culture of criticism. We must build a new generation of thinkers, activists, and ordinary citizens who understand that to question power effectively, one must first understand it deeply. That it is not enough to be angry; one must be accurately angry. That social media fame is not the same as civic literacy. Until then, we will continue to shout: loudly, passionately, endlessly, but in circles.

Like a dog chasing its own tail, we will perform outrage while the real issues remain untouched, and the real culprits continue to operate in silence. 

The illusion will continue. The theatre will go on. And the nation, tragically, will remain where it is starved, not of voices, but of thought.

Oladoja M.O writes from Abuja and can be reached at: mayokunmark@gmail.com

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly rejected allegations made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the federal government is plotting to destabilize the opposition party.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC described the ADC’s claims as baseless and a product of “warped imagination.”

The ADC had alleged in a statement on Monday that it possessed “credible intelligence” indicating federal government officials summoned its state chairmen from the North East and North West to a “secret meeting” aimed at intimidation and coercion.

The APC statement countered that the ADC provided no substantiation for its claims, calling them “wild” and “poorly imagined.”

It criticized the ADC’s vague reference to “officials of the federal government” as evidence of a “mischievous intent” to manipulate public opinion.

“There was no such meeting, and certainly, no one could have been coerced or intimidated at a meeting that never was,” Morka asserted.

The APC further argued that the Tinubu administration and the ruling party have no reason to interfere with the ADC, which it characterized as “mortally wounded by confusion” stemming from internal conflicts.

Morka claimed the ADC is an “agglomeration” of politicians plagued by “internal dissonance, contradictions and discord” following a “gestapo-like takeover.

“The statement portrayed the ADC as a coalition of “inept politicians,” “architects of misrule,” and “failed and restless presidential contenders” incapable of offering Nigeria a viable alternative vision.

It dismissed the ADC’s strategy as focused solely on vilifying the APC and attacking President Tinubu’s record.The APC contrasted the opposition’s “self-inflicted confusion” with its own focus on “build[ing] a virile and vibrant country.”

Morka concluded by questioning the credibility and track records of several prominent figures associated with the ADC coalition.

The APC urged Nigerians to disregard the ADC’s allegations, framing them as a “calculated preemptive excuse” for the party’s anticipated failure.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed rumors of northern opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s potential 2027 re-election bid, asserting instead that the region offers “unwavering” support.

Senator Ajibola Bashiru, APC National Secretary, made the declaration on Monday at a media roundtable organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone B (South-West) in Ibadan.

Bashiru vehemently rejected claims of a northern conspiracy against Tinubu, labelling them “a lie from the pit of hell.”

He stated his position was based on firsthand knowledge and adherence to principled truth-telling.

“The North is firmly behind President Tinubu,” Bashiru asserted. “It’s a lie from the pit of hell to claim the North is ganging up against Tinubu. I say this from a position of knowledge. I guide myself by Amilcar Cabral’s words: ‘Tell no lies, claim no easy victories’.”

He cited visible public enthusiasm as evidence, claiming Tinubu receives warm receptions in northern cities like Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, with street celebrations occurring.

Bashiru also noted that a song by popular northern musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara, ‘Omo Ologo’, dedicated to Tinubu, has become an anthem in the region.

Dismissing opposition efforts, Bashiru characterized the ADC coalition as a “mushroom party” and “contraption” filled with self-serving individuals lacking political relevance.

He insisted the northern APC structures in states like Sokoto, Bauchi, Kebbi, and Zamfara remain solidly behind Tinubu, with influential leaders rallying support.”There is no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031,” Bashiru declared, suggesting opposition hopefuls wait their turn.

He pointed to the APC’s success in recent elections, claiming a win rate above 75%, as proof of the party’s national acceptance.Bashiru also praised Tinubu’s inclusive leadership and infrastructure progress, claiming growing support throughout the North.

He downplayed the significance of former National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje’s resignation, stating it posed no crisis for the party.

On a personal note, Bashiru, who has declared interest in the Osun 2026 governorship race, expressed confidence in his prospects, stating his chances are “very bright.”

By Sani Surajo Abubakar

“Gurubi”, as he was fondly called by his colleagues, the teaching and non-teaching staff of Army Day Secondary School, Bukavu Barracks, Kano, remains a name that resonates in the ears of many who studied in the school in the late 80s, 90s, and years after.

Malam Garba Umar Saleh embodied the spirit of a true teacher. His commitment to education and passion for nurturing young minds were evident in every aspect of his work. 

It is with profound sadness that we reflect on the life and legacy of the late Malam Garba Umar Saleh, a dedicated teacher at Army Day Secondary School and other secondary schools. His passing left an indelible void in the lives of those who knew him, particularly his students, colleagues, and the broader community.

 He approached his role with diligence, patience, and kindness, making him a beloved figure in schools. His dedication to his students went beyond the classroom, as he often took extra time to mentor and guide them, both academically and morally.

The impact of Malam Garba Umar Saleh on his students cannot be overstated. He had a unique ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging, inspiring a love for learning in countless young minds. His unwavering support and encouragement helped many students overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, and his influence will continue to shape the futures of those he taught.

His colleagues at the Army Day Secondary School and other Schools also held him in high regard. His collaborative spirit, professionalism, and positive attitude made him a valued member of the school community. He made significant contributions to the school’s mission, consistently striving for excellence and innovation in education.

While Malam Garba Umar Saleh is no longer with us, his legacy endures. The lessons he imparted, the values he instilled, and the love he showed to his students and colleagues will forever be remembered. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.

As we remember Malam Garba Umar Saleh, we honour his memory by upholding the values he cherished: dedication, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. His story is a testament to the enduring power of education and the profound impact one teacher can have.

This tribute serves as a heartfelt acknowledgement of the remarkable life and contributions of Malam Garba Umar Saleh. May it inspire others to follow in his footsteps, dedicating themselves to the noble cause of education and service to humanity. 

A 1982 NCE graduate of the Advanced Teachers College Gumel, the deceased was employed as Master III by the then Kano State Ministry of Education and posted to Government Girls College (GGC) Dala as his first port of service.

In his quest for knowledge, the late Garba Umar Saleh enrolled in a degree programme at Bayero University Kano and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education/English in 1989.

He spent most of his teaching years, spanning more than three decades, at GGC Dala, Army Day Secondary School (Boys), Bukavu Barracks, and Muhammad Vice Adamu Government Secondary School Kuka (MVAGSS), serving as a classroom teacher, Senior Master, and Vice Principal, respectively.

Towards the tail end of his service period, he was redeployed to the headquarters of the Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSSMB) as Deputy Director, Training and Recruitment, a position he held until his last breath, some weeks before his exit from the service. 

  May Almighty Allah, the most Exalted, grant his gentle and innocent soul rest in peace, and Jannatul Fiirdausi be his final abode, the fortitude and solace for all of us to bear the irreplaceable loss. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations? 

Sani was a student at Army Day Secondary School, Bukavu Barracks, Kano, and is currently on the Staff of the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 20 states, including Lagos, Benue, Edo, and Sokoto, are likely to face flash floods in July despite the disbursement of over N620 billion in ecological funds across the country since 2012.

In its latest alert issued on Monday, NiMet listed the states facing high to moderate flood risks.

These include Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

NiMet urged residents in these states to take precautions such as relocating from flood-prone areas, clearing drainages, and preparing emergency kits.

The agency also advised communities to switch off gas and electricity during floods and to intensify public awareness campaigns.

This comes as residents of several Ondo communities affected by last week’s heavy rains appealed to the state government for help.

The floods, which followed days of downpour, destroyed property worth millions of naira in areas like Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo.In Okitipupa, a resident, Mr. Joshua Jemiloni, explained that “the flooding was caused by erosion flowing down from Igodan,” noting that over 10 buildings were affected.

A community leader, Lawrence Awanebi, called for urgent government assistance for displaced persons. The chairman of Owo Local Government, Tope Omolayo, also appealed to both the federal and state governments to intervene.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assured that the state has begun efforts to reduce flooding by dredging waterways and enforcing environmental laws.

“As a government, we shall continue with initiatives that will reduce the effects of floods and other natural disasters,” he said.Despite these efforts, critics have questioned how ecological funds have been used over the years.

Findings show that between 2012 and February 2025, Nigeria’s 36 states shared over N622 billion from the ecological fund.

However, many communities remain vulnerable.

Environmental experts have voiced concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in managing the funds.

Afolabi Abiodun, President of the Africa Environmental Health Organisation, said: “The government claims to be trying, but frankly, we don’t see the impact on society. These funds are supposed to build resilience… But what we see is merely a response to an ongoing crisis.”

Former President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Nathaniel Atebije, blamed repeated flooding on the government’s failure to honour an agreement with Cameroon to construct a buffer dam on the River Benue. “These medium-level dams are not done. And so, whenever water is released, the downstream people suffer greatly,” he said.

Hakeem Mukhtar, an environmental sustainability expert, pointed to poor urban planning, weak enforcement, and inadequate drainage as major factors.

He stressed that “the issue is not necessarily the lack of funds, but the lack of a structured, data-driven, and community-involved approach to flood mitigation.”

A climate researcher, Abeeb Ajagbe, also lamented the lack of monitoring and tracking mechanisms. “There have been several media reports highlighting corruption and mismanagement in how the ecological funds are being handled,” he said.

According to a June 2025 report by SBM Intelligence, floods have affected 31 of Nigeria’s 36 states since July 2024, impacting 1.2 million people and destroying 180,000 hectares of farmland.

Food insecurity has worsened, with inflation hitting over 35% in January 2024.

In May 2025 alone, flooding displaced 116,711 people across 12 states. Zamfara recorded the highest number, with over 58,000 affected.

Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, Bayelsa, and Sokoto also recorded significant figures.

As flood threats continue to rise, calls for urgent reform in the use of ecological funds grow louder.

Experts are demanding stricter oversight, independent audits, and more proactive, long-term strategies to tackle the worsening flood crisis across the country.