The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved ₦83.21 billion for an Anticipatory Action Task Force aimed at mitigating flooding and other climate-related disasters across Nigeria, reducing an initial ₦166.42 billion request by 50 per cent.
Speaking after NEC’s 158th meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu said the funding marks Nigeria’s first major proactive effort to address recurring floods before they occur, rather than responding after damage has been done.
Otu explained that the council approved half of the requested amount due to resource constraints, noting that the framework would be reviewed at future meetings and additional funding could be considered based on ongoing assessments.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the intervention would complement longer-term solutions, including reservoirs being built to reduce flooding caused by water releases from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam and climate change-induced rainfall.
NEC also considered a proposed National Regional Development Policy for 2026–2030, directing the Minister of Regional Development to consult governors and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum before finalising the framework.
In addition, the council discussed measures to strengthen Nigeria’s agro-export sector, including achieving international port security compliance, removing export bottlenecks and unlocking an estimated $50 billion in annual agricultural export potential.
The council directed relevant agencies to refine proposals for improving agro-export infrastructure and establishing a dedicated national agro-export board, while reiterating the need for proactive measures to reduce the impact of future disasters.
