The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the release of N83.2 billion to tackle flooding and strengthen disaster preparedness across Nigeria.
The decision was reached during a NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, disclosed the approval while briefing journalists after the meeting.
He explained that more than N166 billion was initially proposed for the Anticipatory Action Trust Fund before the council approved half the amount.
The fund would support preventive measures aimed at reducing the impact of seasonal flooding in vulnerable communities.
Key interventions included improved early warning systems, emergency response planning, and other flood mitigation programmes.
Council members stressed the need to move away from reactive disaster management and adopt proactive strategies to protect lives and property.
Speaking at the meeting, Shettima said the Federal Government’s economic reforms must begin to deliver measurable benefits to Nigerians.
He noted that government policies should improve the lives of farmers, manufacturers, youths, and vulnerable citizens across the country.
According to the Vice President, the nation’s progress should be measured by practical results rather than policy declarations.
He described Nigeria as a federation transitioning from economic stabilisation to increased production and sustainable growth.
Shettima urged all stakeholders to focus on implementation, saying citizens expect visible outcomes from government initiatives.
On social protection, he said government programmes must safeguard vulnerable Nigerians and strengthen human capital development.
The Vice President also called for greater attention to value addition, warning against continued dependence on exporting raw materials.
He said economic transformation requires stronger links between agriculture, manufacturing, export standards, ports, and global markets.
Shettima pledged efforts to remove obstacles affecting agricultural exports and improve efficiency at the nation’s seaports.
He maintained that efficient movement of goods and compliance with international standards are essential for boosting trade and rewarding local producers.
The NEC approval is expected to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness for flooding while supporting broader efforts to strengthen disaster management nationwide.
