Francis Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, has appealed to the Federal Government to provide natural disaster funds to the state to help mitigate the impact of recurring disasters on residents and public infrastructure.
- +Ebonyi seeks federal disaster fund over devastating storms, mining hazards
The governor made the appeal on Monday while receiving members of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), who were in the state for the 2026 National Data Verification Exercise.
The governor made the appeal on Monday while receiving members of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), who were in the state for the 2026 National Data Verification Exercise.
Governor Nwifuru said Ebonyi had suffered several natural disasters in recent times, including severe windstorms and thunderstorms that caused extensive damage to government facilities and private properties across the state.
According to him, a recent wind and thunderstorm incident unroofed many buildings within the government house complex, forcing the state government to commit substantial resources toward reconstruction efforts. He stressed that the scale of destruction underscored the need for federal intervention through the Natural Disaster Fund.
The governor also lamented the environmental challenges posed by mining activities in the state, noting that abandoned mining pits continue to create hazards for communities. He said the state government bears the burden of addressing the environmental consequences despite having no authority over the issuance of mining licences.
“Unfortunately, mining pits impose serious environmental hazards which the state is remedying, yet we are not benefiting from them since mining licences are not granted by the state government. This is why we are asking for the Natural Disaster Fund,” Nwifuru stated.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing nationwide data verification exercise by RMAFC would improve the accuracy of revenue allocation to states.
The governor noted that poor data collection often results in errors that distort reality and affect planning, adding that the commission had demonstrated competence and commitment in carrying out its responsibilities.
Henry Awuregu, the leader of the delegation and Ebonyi State Commissioner in RMAFC, said the visit was part of the commission’s ongoing National Data Verification Exercise.
He explained that Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula is based on principles of fairness, equity and justice, stressing that periodic verification and updating of socio-economic data are necessary to ensure that revenue distribution across the federation reflects current realities and developmental needs.
