Nigeria Adopts Proactive Flood Strategy Ahead of Rainy Season

Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that the Nigerian government has shifted its approach to flood management, moving from reactive disaster relief to proactive preparedness.

This change in strategy is highlighted by the launch of the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) on Flood, which aims to better anticipate and address flood risks before they escalate into major disasters.

The initiative is designed to improve early warning systems, strengthen response mechanisms, and ensure more effective flood mitigation in the country.

He says the initiative aligns with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which emphasises proactive disaster preparedness to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and protect vulnerable communities.

The Vice President, who gave the hint on Tuesday during a meeting of the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) on Floods at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, said the traditional response of mobilising relief after floods strike is no longer sustainable.

Members of the Task Force include Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, alongside state emergency management agencies and international development partners.

VP Shettima said, “Prevention is always cheaper than response, and investing in early action today will save billions in future losses. We need to strengthen coordination among agencies, engage local communities, and ensure that preparedness efforts are backed by real-time data.”

Wake Up Call

United Nations Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, explained that the United States’ suspension of humanitarian funding is a wake-up call for us to be more efficient, adding that “transitioning from reactive aid to anticipatory action is critical.

“As we approach the rainy season, we must factor in these developments and ensure that our interventions are timely and effective,” he further noted.

Also, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nigeria, Trond Jensen, commended the initiative, explaining that “a critical part of humanitarian response is anticipatory action; not only are we saving lives and reducing vulnerability, we are doing it more efficiently.”

He further commended the government’s leadership, stating that “we are the vanguard of innovation in anticipatory action, and for that, we are grateful to be your partners.”

Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, narrated ongoing efforts to enhance disaster preparedness, including the development of the Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis, a document aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s resilience against flooding.

“We have established a national coordination forum, bringing together all relevant agencies to ensure readiness. This effort is based on the seasonal climate predictions from NiMET, ensuring that all stakeholders are on high alert,” Umar said.

Also, Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, Inna Audu, explained the progress made by the task force, saying it has already conducted substantial work, with extensive data collection spanning three decades.

“Presently, we have collated relevant data going back 30 years to be used for the Anticipatory Action Framework for Nigeria,” she said.