THE Federal Government has declared flood prevention a national security concern with the unveiling of a new Anticipatory Action Framework on Floods, aimed at shifting Nigeria’s disaster management strategy from reactive measures to proactive response.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the official presentation of the draft framework and consolidated budget by the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF), Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the importance of science-based planning in disaster prevention.
“Disasters are security issues. For too long, we’ve only reacted. Now, we must believe in science and act proactively,” Shettima said, commending President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for their leadership and coordination on the initiative.
The framework integrates both scientific and traditional data methods to activate early interventions in flood-prone communities. It also includes a consolidated budget for preparedness efforts.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the move as a paradigm shift.
“We are transitioning from reaction to prevention, from managing losses to avoiding them,” he said, citing data from 2004 where floods displaced 1.2 million people and caused over $1 billion in damages.
The National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu also noted that the ability to anticipate and respond is key in mitigating the effects of natural disasters.
“While disasters are often beyond our control, our response isn’t,” he noted.
Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs, Inna Audu, outlined the task force’s activities since March, including data collection and the creation of a Strategic Communication Working Group under the NSA, housed at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). Led by Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the group is charged with ensuring that states, LGAs, and communities are fully informed and prepared through a tiered communication plan.
The Federal Government says the new roadmap is crucial to building climate resilience and safeguarding lives and livelihoods in flood-vulnerable areas across Nigeria.