The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the release of funds to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mitigate the impact of flooding across the country.
The minister of finance,Wale Edun, announced the decision on Thursday, July 31 following a NEC meeting chaired by vice president Kashim Shettima in Abuja.
He stated that the approved funds are intended to enhance flood preparedness and disaster response efforts, particularly in light of forecasts predicting above-average rainfall.
This proactive measure is designed to prevent the scale of devastation seen in previous years and ensure timely intervention by state and federal agencies
Edun said, “Last year, funding was provided to support NEMA and relevant ministries. This year, we have again been mandated to put together an intervention programme that will offer tangible support for flood prevention and relief.
“Flooding is a shared challenge and requires a whole-of-society approach.
“All tiers of government must be fully involved, from enforcement of planning laws to equipping emergency response teams.”
He noted that resources will be allocated to NEMA, the Federal Ministries of Water Resources, Environment, Budget and Economic Planning, and various State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
To strengthen grassroots response, the NEC has also directed the establishment of Local Emergency Management Committees in all Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The minister of budget and economic planning, Atiku Bagudu, announced that federal and state governments have launched the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP).
Bagudu said, “Having stabilised the macroeconomy, the next step is to drill development down to the lowest levels so that, in all 8,809 wards, we can stimulate economic activity that will generate employment, reduce poverty, enhance food security, and strengthen social protection.
“Mr. President believes that to reduce poverty and food insecurity, we must invest collaboratively in the creative energy of Nigerians in every ward. Having achieved macroeconomic stability, this programme is the natural next step.”
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