The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the sum of N83.2 billion for the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) to mitigate the impact of expected flooding and other climate-related emergencies across Nigeria.
The approval was given at the 158th meeting of the Council on Thursday.
The funds were approved following a presentation by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, on the need to proactively address flooding and related disasters, especially during the rainy season.
The National Economic Council noted the importance of shifting from reactive responses to anticipatory measures in managing emergencies and disasters across the country.
The Anticipatory Action Task Force interventions are expected to help states and communities prepare ahead of time, reduce loss of lives and property, and minimise the economic impact of flooding on vulnerable populations.
Presiding over the meeting as Chairman of the National Economic Council, Vice President Kashim Shettima called on state governments to collaborate more effectively with the Federal Government in removing logistical and compliance barriers that prevent Nigerian farm produce from reaching international markets.
He emphasised that the success of the administration’s reform agenda should be measured by the visible improvements it brings to the lives of ordinary Nigerians, particularly farmers, manufacturers, vulnerable citizens, unemployed youths, and children who will inherit the country.
The Council stressed that it can no longer afford to be seen as always reacting to emergencies after they occur. Instead, it must take proactive steps to reduce the impact of disasters before they happen.
The approval of the N83.2 billion intervention is part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.
The Anticipatory Action Task Force is expected to work with relevant federal and state agencies to implement early warning systems, pre-position relief materials, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and support affected communities with timely interventions.
Officials believe this proactive approach will help reduce the cost of emergency response and save more lives and livelihoods during the rainy season.
