The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed the disbursement of ₦83.2 billion from the Anticipatory Action Trust Fund (AATF) to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing the impact of flooding in various parts of Nigeria.
The decision was reached during a council session presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu revealed that more than ₦166 billion had originally been requested for the intervention programme.
According to him, the council eventually sanctioned ₦83.2 billion to support preventive measures against flood-related disasters nationwide.
The approved resources will be deployed for initiatives such as disaster forecasting, rapid response planning, community preparedness programmes and other strategies designed to limit flood damage.
Council members also stressed the need for a proactive approach to emergency management, noting that authorities should focus more on prevention rather than waiting to respond after disasters occur.
During the meeting, Vice President Shettima emphasised that the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration must begin to deliver measurable improvements in the lives of citizens across the country.
He stated that government policies should translate into tangible benefits for farmers, manufacturers, young job seekers, vulnerable groups and future generations, adding that progress should be assessed by outcomes rather than promises.
The Vice President further explained that Nigeria is transitioning from economic stabilisation to increased productivity and implementation, with greater emphasis on coordinated development and effective service delivery.
Shettima also urged the country to move away from exporting unprocessed commodities while importing finished goods, insisting that improved production, efficient port operations and compliance with international standards are essential for boosting exports, rewarding local producers and expanding Nigeria’s presence in global markets.
