The National Economic Council, NEC, on Thursday approved N83.21bn for the implementation of an Anticipatory Action Task Force aimed at mitigating flooding and other climate-related disasters across the country.
The approval followed a reduction of an initial N166.42bn request submitted to the Council by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, effectively slashing the proposed fund by 50 per cent.
The Council took the decision at its 158th meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, said the approved fund would be drawn through the Federation Account Allocation Committee to support anticipatory interventions against flooding.
He said, “The purpose of the request was to seek the consideration of council for the approval and disbursement of funds through the Federal Account Allocation Committee to facilitate the implementation of the approved Anticipatory Action Task Force interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of anticipated flooding and other climate-related agencies across the country.
“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 mentioned during deliberations.
He said the Council ultimately resolved to approve only half of what was requested, while committing to revisit the framework at subsequent meetings. “Council noted the importance of the AATF in addressing disasters and emergencies across the country.
“Council also underscored the fact that NEC must act promptly and must not be seen as always reacting to situations rather than being proactive when these disasters occur.
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“Council approved the sum of N83,211,800,818.81, 50 per cent of the proposed budget for the AATF, with a plan to review the framework at subsequent meetings as part of broad measures aimed at tackling flood and related disasters,” he stated.
Responding to questions on the rationale for the 50 per cent cut, Otu explained that the reduction was based on a resource-conscious initial step and not a rejection of the urgency of the request.
He said, “I want you to know that this is the first time as a nation that we are taking proactive steps. Most of the time, we have waited till flood has done its damage before we act, but this time around we are taking proactive steps to mitigate the possibility of the flood, which is a perennial issue. “Therefore, it’s a work in progress.”
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said the intervention represented the first phase of a broader flood management strategy, including long-term infrastructure such as reservoirs to manage water releases from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, said the Council also considered a presentation on the proposed National Regional Development Policy, 2026–2030, aimed at addressing spatial inequalities and improving coordination of regional development efforts.
He said 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 disclosed that the Council reviewed a proposal to strengthen Nigeria’s agro-export value chain and improve compliance with international port facility security standards.
He said the initiative could unlock about $50bn in annual agro-export potential currently tied to compliance gaps, especially in key crops such as sesame, ginger, soybean and cashew.
The Council directed further consultations on the proposal involving relevant ministries and agencies before final approval.
