In the first five months of 2025, Ebonyi State in southeastern Nigeria received N725.64 million from the federal ecological fund, ranking 16th among the country’s 36 states, according to TheCable Index. While this figure may seem modest compared with top recipients like Kano (N1.29 billion) and Lagos (N1.09 billion), the real question is not about ranking—it is about impact.
Nigeria, like many countries in West Africa, faces mounting environmental challenges: erosion, deforestation, flooding, and poor waste management threaten livelihoods, public health, and local economies. The ecological fund exists precisely to address these challenges, yet its effectiveness depends entirely on transparent governance, strategic planning, and active citizen engagement.
States such as Kano and Lagos have demonstrated that even modest allocations can yield tangible results when properly managed. Ebonyi, despite receiving less than half of Kano’s allocation, has the opportunity to set a standard for responsible environmental spending in Nigeria’s southeast. Projects like erosion control, reforestation, and community-led waste management programs could transform the state’s environmental landscape and improve quality of life for residents.
However, without accountability and public oversight, these funds risk being reduced to budget figures with little real-world effect. Ebonyi’s government must publicly disclose planned projects, timelines, and measurable outcomes, while citizens and civil society organizations monitor progress to ensure every naira serves its intended purpose.
The ecological fund is more than a financial allocation; it is a litmus test for leadership and commitment to sustainable development. How Ebonyi manages this fund will send a message—not just to Nigerians, but to the world—about the state’s ability to address environmental challenges responsibly. Now is the time for transparent action and meaningful impact.
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