By Faith Obams, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE NATIONAL Executive Council (NEC) has approved the disbursement of ₦17.5 billion to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and coordinated response to anticipated flooding in 2025.
Out of the total amount, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) secured ₦10 billion to implement strategic flood response initiatives across the country, following deliberations at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima presided over the NEC meeting.
A statement released by NEMA via its official X handle confirmed the development, highlighting that the agency’s Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, delivered a comprehensive update on the current flood risk outlook.
Her presentation detailed NEMA’s ongoing efforts in risk assessment, early warning systems, and inter-agency coordination to mitigate flood impacts ahead of the next rainy season.
According to NEMA, the remaining ₦7.5 billion will be distributed among key federal and subnational stakeholders to drive a collaborative mitigation strategy.
Each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is to receive ₦3 billion. Additionally, ₦1.5 billion each has been allocated to the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
The agency’s statement underscored that the funding approval followed the Council’s recognition of the urgent need for proactive flood management, as highlighted during the DG’s presentation.
It further stated that the funds will support early preparedness activities and reinforce existing national contingency frameworks.
NEMA assured that it will continue to collaborate closely with state governments, ministries, and development partners to ensure an effective, timely, and people-centred response during the flood season.
Mrs Umar expressed appreciation to the Vice President and Council members for their swift action.
She reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to ensuring the transparent and accountable use of the allocated funds, in alignment with its statutory mandate to protect lives and livelihoods in emergencies.
