Federal Government Unveils Strategic Plan to Tackle Flooding Across Nigeria
The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to address the recurrent issue of flooding across Nigeria.
The approval of recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness, and Response was disclosed by Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, following the 137th National Economic Council meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Governor Bello outlined the committee’s key proposals, including advocating for an emergency budget approach that considers the climate and flood crises.
The recommendations further emphasise the necessity of establishing a National Flood Management Council, to be located within the Vice President’s office, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated response to flood-related challenges.
In addressing funding options, Governor Bello highlighted the committee’s endorsement of utilising the Natural Resource Development Fund to promptly respond to the flood crisis in Nigeria.
The proposal also recommends the allocation of a dedicated annual budget for flooding at all levels of government.
Moreover, the committee urged the President to declare a state of emergency in the event of a Category 4 flood, guided by the advice of the proposed National Flood Management Council.
The Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu, elaborated on the adoption of the Flood Committee’s report, revealing additional contributions from Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.
Governor Zulum pledged support through the provision of six pivot irrigation schemes valued at $250,000 each, as well as two drilling rigs capable of reaching depths of up to 2000 meters.
In a bid to address climate-related challenges comprehensively, the council also considered a proposal for the adoption of the Pula initiative.
This initiative focuses on developing parametric crop insurance covering various climatic factors such as drought, flood, locusts, cyclones, and diseases, encompassing 22 crops and providing coverage for over 11 million smallholder farmers and pastoralists.
Furthermore, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, provided financial updates during the meeting, presenting balances of various government accounts as of September 2023.
The Excess Crude Account stood at $473,754.57, the Stabilisation Account at N37,597,965,211.43, and the Natural Resources Account at N144,683,136,928.25.
Looking ahead, Lagos State Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, announced plans for a National Economic Council retreat within the first two months of 2024.
The retreat aims to facilitate synergy between the federal government and subnational entities, fostering collaboration and idea exchange.
Source: PUNCH
