The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved N83.21 billion to support measures aimed at reducing the impact of flooding and other climate-related disasters across Nigeria.
The approval was granted during the council’s 158th meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, said the fund was approved for the implementation of the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF). He explained that the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, had initially requested N166.42 billion, but the council approved half of the amount.
Otu said the initiative is designed to help the country prepare ahead of expected flooding and other climate-related emergencies rather than responding after damage has already occurred.
He noted that flooding has become a recurring challenge in many parts of the country, adding that the Federal Government is taking early action to reduce its impact, particularly in states that are frequently affected.
According to him, council members agreed that proactive measures are necessary to address disasters effectively and prevent avoidable losses.
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As part of its resolution, NEC approved N83.21 billion, representing 50 per cent of the proposed budget, while plans are in place to review the programme and consider additional funding in future meetings.
Explaining the decision to reduce the amount requested, Otu said the council considered available resources and viewed the funding as the first phase of a broader intervention strategy.
He stressed that the move marks a significant shift from past approaches where authorities often responded only after disasters had occurred.
Also speaking, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the approved funds would address immediate needs while longer-term solutions are being developed. He added that efforts are also being considered to tackle recurring flooding linked to the periodic release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
Mutfwang said sustainable infrastructure projects, including reservoirs and other flood-control measures, would be necessary to provide lasting solutions to the problem.
