Flooding has become a recurring challenge in Nigeria, affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, and food security, particularly in states historically prone to seasonal inundation
KaNo —
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the sum of N83.21 billion for the establishment and implementation of an Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) aimed at mitigating the impact of flooding and other climate-related disasters across Nigeria.
The decision was reached on Thursday during the Council’s 158th meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the increasing frequency and severity of floods across several states, a trend widely linked to climate change and poor environmental management.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State disclosed that the fund was approved following a proposal submitted by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
According to Otu, the funding will be disbursed through the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to support the rollout of targeted interventions under the AATF framework.
He explained that the initiative is designed to address anticipated flooding before it occurs, rather than waiting to respond after damage has already been done.
“The purpose of the request was to seek the Council’s consideration for the approval and disbursement of funds to facilitate the implementation of the Anticipatory Action Task Force interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of expected flooding and related climate challenges,” Otu said.
He emphasised that flooding has become a recurring challenge in Nigeria, affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, and food security, particularly in states historically prone to seasonal inundation.
He added that the Federal Government welcomed the proactive approach, noting that timely intervention could significantly reduce losses.
“Flooding now is almost a recurring decimal in our national life. What we are doing is taking steps ahead of time to ensure mitigation measures are in place to save lives and property,” he stated.
Despite approving only 50 per cent of the requested funds, Otu clarified that the reduction was not a dismissal of the urgency of the situation but rather a pragmatic decision based on available resources.
He described the initiative as a “work in progress,” adding that the Council intends to review and possibly scale up funding as implementation progresses and needs become clearer.
“This is the first time as a nation that we are deliberately taking proactive steps.
In the past, we often waited until disasters occurred before responding. Now, we are putting mechanisms in place ahead of time,” he said.
He further noted that the Council was unanimous in its position that disaster response must evolve from a reactive posture to a preventive one, stressing that early action could significantly reduce humanitarian and economic costs.
Also speaking on the development, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State described the approved fund as the first phase of a broader, multi-layered strategy to combat flooding nationwide.
He said the initiative would combine immediate interventions with medium- and long-term infrastructure solutions.
Mutfwang highlighted the need for structural responses such as the construction of reservoirs and improved water management systems, particularly in areas affected by external factors like the release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, which has historically contributed to flooding in parts of Nigeria.
“Even beyond climate-induced flooding, we also face challenges from the periodic release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. This puts several states at risk, especially in the southern parts of the country,” he said.
He revealed that some states, including Plateau, have already begun constructing reservoirs to manage excess water and reduce flood risks.
He commended the Council’s proactive stance, noting that previous interventions often came too late to prevent widespread destruction.
“This year is different. For the first time, we are preparing ahead. We understand that this N83 billion may not be sufficient in the long run, but it is a starting point. What matters is that we are no longer waiting for disaster to strike before acting,” Mutfwang added.
Beyond flood mitigation, the Council also considered broader development issues during the meeting.
Yusuf explained that the proposed policy aims to address longstanding regional disparities, improve coordination of development initiatives, and align national planning with global best practices.
He noted that persistent spatial inequalities and fragmented interventions across regions have hindered balanced growth.
“Council was informed that Nigeria urgently needs a National Regional Development Policy due to persistent inequalities, lack of coordination among regional interventions, and the need to align with the Medium-Term National Development Plan for 2026 to 2030,” he said.
According to him, the policy will provide a framework for overseeing and coordinating regional development plans, working closely with state governments and regional commissions.
It will also ensure that development efforts align with key national priorities such as economic recovery, security, food sufficiency, energy expansion, and industrialisation driven by digital innovation.
The Council directed the Minister of Regional Development to circulate the draft policy among state governors for input and consultation.
It also urged engagement with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to ensure that subnational perspectives are adequately reflected in the final document.
Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State disclosed that the Council received a presentation on strengthening Nigeria’s agro-export sector.
Adeleke noted that improving agro-export systems is critical for boosting foreign exchange earnings and supporting farmers, adding that addressing logistical and regulatory challenges would unlock significant economic potential.
“There was a strong emphasis on achieving international compliance standards, eliminating export bottlenecks, and strengthening the agro-export value chain to make Nigerian products more competitive globally,” he said.
The NEC’s decisions reflect a broader effort by the Federal Government to tackle pressing national challenges through coordinated planning and proactive governance.
With climate change intensifying environmental risks and economic pressures mounting, the Council’s approval of the flood prevention fund signals a shift toward forward-looking strategies designed to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and national development.
