Ebonyi governor asks FG for disaster relief funds

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called on the federal government to give Natural Disaster Funds to help the state manage the effects of ongoing environmental disasters on its people.

Mr Nwifuru made this request on Monday in Abakaliki. He was speaking while receiving members of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The team was in the state for the 2026 National Data Verification Exercise.

The governor pointed out that recent natural disasters have caused a lot of damage in the state. This includes damage to buildings in the Ebonyi Government House complex.

“A lot of disasters have happened in this city; windstorms and thunderstorms unroofed almost all the buildings inside the Government House, and rebuilding them is costing the state huge resources,” Mr Nwifuru said.

He also talked about the problems caused by abandoned mining pits in the area. He noted that while the state deals with these issues, it does not get much benefit from mining activities. This is because mining licenses are issued by the federal government.

“Mining pits impose serious environmental hazards which the state is remedying, yet we are not benefitting from them. This is why we are asking for the Natural Disaster Fund,” he said.

Mr Nwifuru expressed hope that the ongoing nationwide data verification would help improve how revenue is shared and increase resources for the state. He pointed out that inaccurate data collection can lead to mistakes that affect planning and resource distribution.

“It will make sense if the collected data are updated and analysed to reflect current realities,” he said.

He praised the commission for their professionalism. He showed confidence in the skills of the verification team.

Earlier, the RMAFC team leader, Henry Awuregu, who represents Ebonyi in the commission, said the exercise is part of the National Data Verification Exercise. This aims to ensure fairness and accuracy in revenue allocation.

He explained that Nigeria’s revenue-sharing formula is based on factors meant to promote fairness and justice among the states.

“Over time, socioeconomic realities evolve. Population dynamics change, infrastructure expands, developmental gaps shift and new challenges emerge.

“It therefore becomes imperative that the data underpinning these indices are periodically verified and updated to reflect present-day realities,” Mr Awuregu said.

He added that the exercise would check the integrity and accuracy of data used to decide how revenue is shared across the country.