The National Executive Council has sanctioned the release of ₦17.5 billion to support and strengthen Nigeria’s readiness and response to flooding anticipated in 2025.
This decision was reached during a council meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The development was shared in a post by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) via its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
During the meeting, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, gave a comprehensive update on the current state of flood occurrences across the nation. She presented NEMA’s plans and strategic preparedness for the upcoming flood season. Her briefing included detailed information on how the agency is assessing potential risks, issuing early warnings, and setting up collaborative mechanisms for a coordinated national response.
NEMA revealed that the council’s decision to approve the funds followed deliberations sparked by the urgency of her presentation. The intervention aims to facilitate the proactive execution of flood control strategies and emergency responses before the rainy season peaks. As part of the approved amount, NEMA itself received ₦10 billion to support its operations for the 2025 flood season.
Alongside the allocation to NEMA, additional disbursements were approved for various governmental entities involved in environmental and emergency management. These include state governments, the Federal Capital Territory, and ministries that play key roles in disaster preparedness and environmental protection. The aim is to equip all relevant authorities with the financial support needed to minimize the damage floods may cause.
In a follow-up statement, Mrs. Umar commended the Vice President and members of the council for what she described as a timely and forward-thinking intervention. She stressed that the agency is committed to using the funds responsibly and effectively, in alignment with its mandate to protect citizens and reduce the loss of lives and property during emergencies.
She also reiterated NEMA’s readiness to continue working closely with state governments, federal ministries, and development partners to ensure a unified and swift response across all levels. According to her, the agency remains dedicated to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in managing the allocated resources.
What You Should Know
The NEC’s approval of ₦17.5 billion for nationwide flood preparedness reflects growing concern over the impact of seasonal flooding in Nigeria. With ₦10 billion assigned to NEMA and further funds distributed to states and key ministries, this move marks a coordinated push toward proactive disaster management.
As flood risks intensify due to changing climate patterns, the federal government is prioritizing early action to reduce the loss of lives and economic damage. NEMA’s pledge to ensure transparency and collaboration across sectors offers hope for a more effective and people-centered response in the 2025 flood season.
