The Federal Government has now classified flood prevention as a national security concern, following the launch of a new Anticipatory Action Framework on Floods, aimed at shifting disaster response from a reactive model to a coordinated, early-response approach.
The framework, which combines scientific and traditional data-gathering methods, includes clearly defined early action triggers and a consolidated budget for managing flood-related disasters. Its goal is to strengthen resilience in flood-prone states and communities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the official presentation of the draft framework and budget by the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima stressed the need for science-based disaster prevention.
“Disasters are security issues. For too long, we’ve been reacting instead of preparing. By embracing science, we’ve taken all the necessary steps to establish a clear roadmap,” Shettima said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising disaster preparedness and praised the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for its coordination of the initiative.
“We intend to bring all key stakeholders in the Nigerian project on board. Together, we can mobilise resources and address our core challenges,” Shettima added.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the new framework as a paradigm shift in disaster management.
“We are moving from reaction to recovery, from loss to prevention — that is why we are here today,” he explained.
He cited past data to underscore the scale of the threat: “In 2004 alone, floods displaced 1.2 million people and destroyed 1.3 million hectares of farmland, costing over $1 billion. If we allocate just one per cent of that, we could prevent far greater losses.”
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, highlighted the importance of readiness and anticipation in tackling disasters.
“Natural disasters may be beyond our control, but how we respond is up to us. Without proper anticipation, even the best-resourced nations suffer the most,” he warned.
Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, Mrs Inna Audu, outlined the task force’s progress since its March inauguration. She explained that the group had conducted a validation workshop and collected data using both scientific and traditional approaches to enable evidence-based decision-making.
She also announced the establishment of a Strategic Communication Working Group within the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the NSA’s office. The group, led by Major General Adamu Garba Laka, is tasked with implementing a communication and advocacy plan based on early warning data to ensure that states, LGAs, and communities are well informed and prepared.