The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved N83.21 billion for the establishment of an Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) aimed at mitigating flooding and other climate-related disasters across Nigeria. The decision was made during the 158th NEC meeting, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja.
This approval comes after a significant reduction of the initial N166.42 billion request submitted by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu. The approved sum constitutes exactly 50 per cent of the proposed budget.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, briefed State House correspondents, explaining that the funds will be disbursed through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). He highlighted the importance of anticipatory interventions in addressing the perennial issue of flooding.
Governor Otu stated, “We know that flooding now is almost an occurring decimal, and the Federal Government were very happy that we are putting some retroactive steps to make sure that the mitigation comes on in time to save the states.” He noted that states historically prone to flooding were specifically identified during the deliberations.
The Council resolved to approve half of the requested amount, with a commitment to revisit the framework in subsequent meetings. “Council noted the importance of the AATF in addressing disasters and emergencies across the country,” Otu added.
He further emphasized the Council’s directive for prompt action, stating, “NEC must act promptly and must not be seen as always reacting to situations rather than being proactive when these disasters occur.” The approved sum is N83,211,800,818.81.
Governor Otu clarified that the 50 per cent cut was a resource-conscious initial step, not a dismissal of the request's urgency. He described the move as the nation’s first proactive step in disaster management, contrasting it with the usual reactive approach after damages have occurred.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, indicated that this intervention marks the first phase of a comprehensive flood management strategy. This strategy includes long-term infrastructure projects like reservoirs designed to manage water releases from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
In other deliberations, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, reported that the Council considered a presentation on the proposed National Regional Development Policy (2026–2030). The policy aims to address spatial inequalities and enhance the coordination of regional development efforts.
Governors directed the Minister of Regional Development to circulate the draft policy for further input and consultation with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also shared that the Council reviewed a proposal to strengthen Nigeria’s agro-export value chain and improve compliance with international port facility security standards.
This initiative is projected to unlock approximately $50 billion in annual agro-export potential, currently hindered by compliance gaps in key crops such as sesame, ginger, soybean, and cashew. The Council has directed further consultations involving relevant ministries and agencies before final approval.
