The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved N83.2 billion for interventions aimed at reducing the impact of anticipated flooding and other climate-related emergencies across Nigeria as the country prepares for the peak of the rainy season.
The approval was granted at the 158th NEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The intervention fund will be deployed through the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) to strengthen disaster preparedness and response efforts nationwide.
The decision followed a presentation by the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who highlighted the need for proactive measures to address recurring flood threats and other climate-induced disasters, particularly during the rainy season.
NEC members emphasized the need to shift Nigeria’s disaster management strategy from a reactive approach to a preventive one, noting that annual flooding continues to cause significant damage to lives, infrastructure, farmlands and livelihoods across the country.
Speaking during the meeting, Shettima said the success of the Federal Government’s economic reforms would ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, especially farmers, manufacturers, vulnerable citizens and young people. He stressed that the country must move from policy formulation to practical delivery of results.
The Vice President also called on state governments to collaborate with the Federal Government in removing logistical and regulatory barriers that hinder agricultural exports and limit farmers’ access to international markets. According to him, Nigeria’s economic transformation depends on building strong value chains that connect farms, factories, ports and global markets.
Meanwhile, experts have warned that more than 30,000 communities across Nigeria could face varying levels of flood risk in 2026, with the critical flood period expected between July and September. The warning underscores the urgency of the newly approved intervention fund and other preparedness measures.
The council also reiterated its commitment to strengthening social protection programmes and ensuring that ongoing reforms translate into inclusive growth, stronger institutions and improved living standards for Nigerians.
