The National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has approved the findings of the Presidential Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness, and Response.
The committee’s recommendations include endorsing an annual budget for the State, Federal, and Local governments on flooding and establishing a National flood management council, to be housed in the office of the Vice President.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, who chairs the committee, emphasized the need for a comprehensive structure guided by strong frameworks and policies, recommending the establishment of a National flood management council. The committee also proposed an emergency climate-sensitive budget approach to address flood crises in the country.
The committee suggested that the President should declare a state of emergency when a category 4 flood occurs. Funding options were outlined, including the use of the Natural Resource Development Fund to mitigate and respond to flood crises, along with annual budgetary provisions for federal, state, and local governments, the Ecological Fund, and immediate response measures. Strengthening data management for effective early warning was also emphasized.
In addition, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has offered support to other states by providing six pivot irrigation schemes, each costing $250,000, and two drilling rigs capable of drilling up to 2000 meters. The initiatives aim to enhance agricultural production and support pastoralist populations in states that wish to utilize them.
NEC also provided updates on the Excess Crude Account, stabilization funds, and outstanding liabilities for the FCT and 36 states. The current balances were specified for each category, providing insights into the financial status of these accounts.
