By Opeyemi Adelakun
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved N83.21 billion for the implementation of an Anticipatory Action Task Force aimed at mitigating 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.
The fund represents a 50 per cent reduction from the initial N166.42 billion proposal submitted by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, said the approved funds would be sourced through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to ensure timely interventions ahead of the peak flooding season.
According to Otu, the initiative marks a shift from the country’s traditional response pattern of reacting after disasters occur.
“Flooding has become a recurring challenge, and we are pleased that proactive measures are now being put in place to ensure mitigation efforts commence early enough to protect affected states,” he said.
He explained that the reduction in the proposed budget was a reflection of current resource realities and not a dismissal of the importance of the intervention.
Otu added that the initiative represents the first coordinated national effort to tackle flooding before it causes widespread destruction.
Also speaking, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, described the intervention as the first phase of a broader flood management strategy. He noted that long-term plans include the construction of reservoirs and other infrastructure to regulate water releases from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, disclosed that the council considered the proposed National Regional Development Policy for 2026–2030, aimed at addressing regional and spatial inequalities across the country.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also revealed that NEC reviewed proposals designed to strengthen Nigeria’s agro-export value chain. He said the initiative could unlock an estimated $50 billion in annual agro-export opportunities currently hindered by compliance and regulatory challenges.
The council’s deliberations form part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to enhance climate resilience, promote balanced regional development and expand economic opportunities through improved agricultural exports.
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