By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the sum of ₦83.2 billion to mitigate flooding and other climate-related disasters across Nigeria.
The approval was granted on Thursday during the council’s 158th meeting, chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
The intervention represents 50 percent of the ₦166.42 billion requested for the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF), established in March 2026 to coordinate early responses to flooding and climate emergencies.
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Presenting the proposal, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, emphasised the urgent need for proactive measures, especially as the rainy season intensifies.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, described the approval as a significant policy shift from the nation’s traditional reactive approach to disasters.
“I want you to know that this is the first time, as a nation, that we are taking proactive steps. Most times, we wait until floods have caused significant damage before taking action,” Governor Otu said.
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He commended Vice-President Shettima’s leadership, noting that the council acknowledged the recurring threat of annual flooding and agreed on the necessity of preventive measures.
Governor Otu explained that the council opted for 50% of the requested amount to balance available resources with the urgency of early intervention, adding that more funds would be provided as the need arises.
“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,” he stated.
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The approval comes as meteorological agencies forecast severe flooding in several parts of the country during the 2026 rainy season, with many communities already experiencing the devastating effects of flooding and coastal erosion.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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