As Nigeria braces for the challenges of the rainy season, the Federal Government has rolled out a forward-looking strategy aimed at reducing the impact of floods and other climate-induced disasters. Vice President Kashim Shettima officially launched the Anticipatory Action Framework on Wednesday, underscoring a shift from traditional reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The launch took place during a validation workshop hosted at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), within the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja. The initiative is centered on utilizing early warnings, empowering local communities, and securing pre-arranged funding to mitigate the toll of disasters on lives and livelihoods.

A crucial feature of the framework is the formation of a specialized “trigger group,” made up of meteorological and emergency management agencies. This team will collaborate to produce forecasts up to two weeks in advance, enabling timely preventive action.

Highlighting the urgency of the new approach, Vice President Shettima noted that over five million Nigerians were affected by floods in 2024. “These disasters are no longer remote possibilities. They are current realities—disrupting lives and challenging our resilience,” he remarked.

Shettima stressed that the country’s current reactive model, which leads to delayed and costly interventions, results in the annual loss of approximately 5% of Nigeria’s GDP. He emphasized that timely preparedness would not only save resources but also protect vulnerable populations.

The framework is anchored on three pillars:

1. Early warning systems powered by satellite data and delivered through grassroots networks;

2. Pre-triggered financing to ensure timely availability of funds before disasters strike;

3. Localized preparedness driven by community-level response capabilities.

Citing Benue State as an example, the Vice President noted that over 80,000 people were safely evacuated within 72 hours, thanks to early warnings and trained local volunteers. He emphasized the need for accessible alerts communicated in local languages.

National agencies such as NiMet, NEMA, NiHSA, NASRDA, and NOA will work in synergy with global partners like UNOCHA, WFP, FAO, and IFRC to implement the plan.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, affirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to implementing the framework. He called for integration of the National Social Register to bolster Nigeria’s resilience and proposed the establishment of a national risk coordination center, alongside improved data sharing and technological deployment for real-time monitoring.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, praised Nigeria’s leadership in institutionalizing coordinated disaster responses, noting that neighboring West African countries are observing Nigeria’s model.

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu described the initiative as essential to national resilience, warning that poorly managed disasters can destabilize communities and disrupt infrastructure.

Presidential aide Mrs. Inna Audu reiterated the administration’s resolve to establish a comprehensive early warning system, urging stakeholders to adopt a systems-thinking approach that connects data, people, and policies for long-term sustainability.

The workshop also received support from international development partners, civil society groups, private sector players, and the European Union, who all pledged their collaboration in ensuring the framework’s successful implementation.