Nigeria's NEC Approves N83.2 Billion for Flood and Climate Emergency Mitigation

Nigeria's National Economic Council (NEC) has approved N83.2 billion to combat anticipated flooding and climate-related emergencies, marking a significant pivot towards proactive disaster management. The funds are allocated to the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF), established to coordinate early interventions.

During its 158th meeting, the NEC, chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, recognized the need to move beyond traditional post-disaster relief. "Most times, we wait until floods have caused significant damage before taking action," said Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, briefing newsmen after the meeting. "This time, under the leadership of the Chairman of the Council, the vice-president, we are taking proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of flooding, which has become a recurring challenge."

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Most times, we wait until floods have caused significant damage before taking action. This time, under the leadership of the Chairman of the Council, the vice-president, we are taking proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of flooding, which has become a recurring challenge.

The council acknowledged that NEC must not always be seen reacting to disasters after they occur. The approved N83.21 billion represents 50 percent of the N166.42 billion initially requested through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) mechanism. Governor Otu explained that this partial approval balances available resources with the urgency of early intervention, signifying a commitment to preventing or mitigating the impact of natural disasters before they escalate.

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Council underscored the importance of the Anticipatory Action Task Force in addressing disasters and climate-related emergencies across the country. Members agreed that NEC must not always be seen reacting to disasters after they occur but should take steps to prevent or mitigate their impact.