President Tinubu Approves N15bn to Prevent Flood Disaster in Nigeria – Strategic Flood Mitigation Plan Unveiled

On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N15 billion to prevent a potential massive flood disaster in Nigeria. The announcement came during a workshop focused on strengthening the coordination and monitoring of flood risks. The event took place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja.

Shettima revealed that the president had also directed relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to collaborate and develop strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of flooding. Emphasizing the importance of strong collaborations, he explained that the government is combining technical expertise, financial resources, and operational capacity with the support of the nation’s development partners to tackle the impending flood crisis.

The Vice President commended President Tinubu for his proactive leadership, stating, “President Tinubu is an asset to the nation. What he needs at this stage is our collective support to guide the country toward a brighter future.” He further stated that the Armed Forces were doing their best to tackle security challenges, but they require public support to be truly effective.

Highlighting the importance of the workshop, Shettima underscored that it was not only a gathering of technical experts and policy makers but also a call to action to protect citizens, preserve livelihoods, and secure the nation’s future. He noted the dire consequences of flooding in Nigeria, revealing that in 2022 alone, floods affected over five million people, displaced 2.3 million Nigerians, destroyed more than 450,000 hectares of farmland, and forced 1.2 million children out of school.

The Vice President pointed out that for decades, Nigeria’s approach to flood management had been reactive, with insufficient preparation that often led to scrambling for relief efforts once the disaster had already struck. The economic impact of this reactive approach is staggering, with the country losing nearly 5% of its GDP annually due to inadequate disaster response. He emphasized that the current strategy under Tinubu’s administration aims to act before disasters unfold, reducing the potential losses by up to 60%.

In a move to improve flood preparedness, the government has introduced anticipatory action as part of its flood risk management strategy. Shettima explained that anticipatory action, which involves timely intervention before disasters occur, can save lives and protect livelihoods. For example, in Benue State, trained volunteers acted on early warning alerts, evacuating over 80,000 people within 72 hours. This proactive response highlights the importance of effective early warning systems.

The strategy is based on three key pillars: early warning systems, pre-triggered financing, and localized preparedness. The early warning systems will be powered by satellite technology and delivered through community-based networks, providing real-time, life-saving information. Pre-triggered financing ensures that funds are available for quick and efficient action. Lastly, the government aims to empower local states and communities to respond proactively to emergencies, providing them with the necessary tools and resources.

The success of this approach relies on the collaboration of various government bodies, including NiMet, NiHSA, NEMA, NASRDA, and NOA, along with international partners like UNOCHA, WFP, FAO, and IFRC. Together, these groups will analyze real-time data to provide accurate forecasts 10 to 14 days in advance.

Shettima also mentioned that NEMA, in partnership with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Nigerian Red Cross, would be mapping high-risk communities and piloting early-action cash transfers to target over 300,000 households.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, spoke at the event, emphasizing the significance of early warning systems and the role of the Anticipatory Action Taskforce in mitigating the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations. Ribadu called on all stakeholders to work together in the national interest to ensure the success of the flood prevention framework.

This proactive approach marks a shift in Nigeria’s disaster management strategy, aiming to reduce the devastating effects of flooding and safeguard the future of the country’s citizens.