A year after catastrophic flooding decimated the Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, local residents are demanding answers regarding the management of billions of naira in donated relief funds. The disaster, which occurred on May 29, 2025, claimed over 200 lives and left thousands of families homeless. While significant financial contributions were promised by both the Federal and Niger State governments, as well as various private entities, survivors report that the recovery process remains stalled.
Community leaders highlight that essential infrastructure, including a critical bridge connecting the area to neighboring towns, remains in ruins, forcing residents to rely on a precarious wooden crossing. Protesters recently marched to demand the reconstruction of this infrastructure. Furthermore, survivors and local committee members have raised serious allegations regarding the integrity of the beneficiary lists used for cash distributions. Many claim that genuine victims were sidelined while others who suffered no losses received funds.
Official records suggest that more than N5 billion was funneled into the Niger State Emergency Distress Account. However, the state government has yet to provide a detailed public accounting of these expenditures, leading to increased calls for transparency. An advocacy group and a political candidate have since urged an investigation into the matter, with some citizens taking the step of petitioning the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to probe potential mismanagement.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has distanced itself from the financial oversight, noting that the Ministry of Finance managed the donated funds. Meanwhile, a housing project for the displaced has recently begun in a new location near the Mokwa Cattle Ranch, though some residents express skepticism about the progress of the construction. As of now, officials from the state government have declined to provide a comprehensive explanation for the disbursement of these relief resources.
