NIGERIA: NEC Approves N83.2bn to Tackle Flooding, Climate Emergencies

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved N83.2 billion for interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of anticipated flooding and other climate-related emergencies across Nigeria.

The approval was granted on Thursday during the 158th NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The intervention fund will support the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) in implementing proactive measures to address disasters, particularly flooding expected during the rainy season.

The decision followed a presentation by the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, who stressed the need for early action to minimise the devastating effects of floods and other emergencies across the country.

Council members underscored the importance of moving beyond reactionary responses to disasters, noting that preventive measures would save lives, livelihoods and public resources.

Speaking at the meeting, Shettima said the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda must translate into visible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, especially vulnerable citizens.

The Vice President said: “A federation does not earn its prosperity by leaving its most vulnerable behind and hoping they catch up. The dignity of the citizen with the least is the floor beneath which we have resolved that no Nigerian shall fall.”

He also urged state governments to collaborate with the Federal Government in addressing logistical and compliance challenges hindering agricultural exports, warning that poor movement of goods weakens farmers and limits Nigeria’s access to global markets.

The NEC intervention comes amid recurring flooding incidents across the country and growing concerns over the impact of climate change on communities, food security and national development.