As Nigerians continue to mourn the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, which claimed over 100 lives, a non-governmental organisation—Environment Watch—has blamed the tragedy on the Ministry of Works’ failure to implement the 2025 budget.
The NGO expressed concern over the delay in executing the budget, five months into the fiscal year. It insisted that the lack of progress has stalled critical work on drainage systems and erosion control measures across the country—interventions that could have significantly reduced the impact of the Mokwa disaster.
During a visit to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, Haruna Ndazogi, Programme Manager of Environment Watch, specifically criticised the Ministry of Works for failing to begin the procurement process for key federal infrastructure projects outlined in the 2025 budget.
He warned that without urgent action, more flood disasters are likely as the rainy season intensifies, citing the ministry’s inaction as a major risk. “With the rains just beginning, we are likely to witness more flooding in many areas because these projects have not been prioritised by the Ministry of Works,” Ndazogi said.
“Information available to us suggests that other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have commenced awarding contracts for 2025 projects. However, the Ministry of Works, for reasons best known to it, has yet to initiate the necessary processes.”
“We are deeply concerned that more lives and properties may be lost. Roads, culverts, and bridges that should have been rehabilitated are still in disrepair due to the ministry’s failure to approve 2025 fiscal contracts,” he added.
Ndazogi further revealed that his organisation had engaged with some members of the National Assembly, who confirmed that various roads, bridges, and drainage systems were captured in the 2025 budget as constituency projects. However, the lack of implementation by the Ministry of Works has delayed progress.
The NGO questioned why the Ministry has not begun executing the 2025 budget, accusing it of focusing disproportionately on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road while neglecting other pressing infrastructure needs across the nation.
Additionally, Environment Watch accused the Ministry of Works of undermining the federal government’s broader infrastructure development agenda, stressing that urgent action is required to address the country’s worsening infrastructure situation.
The NGO called on the President to remove non-performing members of his cabinet, warning that some officials are sabotaging efforts to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.