Shettima Directs Action Against Nationwide Flooding

On Thursday, Vice President Kashim Shettima directed immediate action against flooding across Nigeria during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He emphasized the need for a shift from reactive emergency responses to proactive preparedness, urging the anticipatory action task force (AATF) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to review and update budget allocations for effective implementation.

Shettima stressed that Nigeria must establish mechanisms to anticipate hazards and consolidate data for coordinated decision-making. He called for the participation of all 36 state governments in these proactive measures.

Earlier, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, approved funding for anticipatory action against flooding, which Shettima described as a bold step. NEMA's Director General, Zubaida Umar, noted that the approved funds would help prevent loss of lives and safeguard livelihoods, particularly in areas prone to flooding.

The National Economic Council (NEC) had previously approved an intervention fund of 83.2 billion Naira for this purpose.