The Lagos State Government has announced that residents in erosion-prone areas will benefit from ecological funds upon their release by the Federal Government.
This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, on Friday during a visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Ecology Funds, which was in Lagos to assess areas affected by erosion for appropriate allocation.
Highlighting the need for sustained collaboration with the Federal Government, Wahab said, “Officials of the state government conducted a comprehensive assessment of all erosion-affected areas in 2019 and requested funds from the Federal Government to address these issues. We are still awaiting approval of the Ecological and Intervention funds to tackle some of the state’s environmental challenges.”
In a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, Wahab noted that once the funds are approved, they will be used for projects to mitigate the severe effects of erosion and flooding in affected communities.
“I believe very soon, our people are going to enjoy the benefits of these funds. According to the Vice Chairman, the Federal Government paused disbursement to rework the allocation process for greater effectiveness,” Wahab added.
Among the inspected areas were Orimolade Street (off College Road), Alade Bucknor Estate (off Fagba Road), Sango Toll Gate Bridge along the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, Maidan/Agiliti area of Ketu, and Agboyi Ketu.
Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Ecology Funds, Oyedeji Oyeshina, explained that the Federal Government had temporarily halted using ecological funds to allow a thorough assessment.
“The committee will provide necessary advice to ensure that disbursement is effectively targeted to states in need,” he stated.
The funds are expected to address long-standing ecological issues in Lagos, enhancing the quality of life for residents in vulnerable areas.
