Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the immediate activation of a “Fusion and Trigger Room” framework to improve Nigeria’s preparedness and early response to flooding, as the rainy season reaches its peak across the country.
Speaking at a meeting of the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) on Thursday in the State House, Abuja, Shettima said the initiative is designed to strengthen coordination, improve forecasting, and ensure quicker decision-making before disasters escalate.
He explained that the system would be domiciled within the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, serving as a central coordination hub for monitoring risks, activating early warning triggers, and aligning response efforts across government institutions.
Shettima stressed that Nigeria must move away from reactive disaster management and instead adopt a proactive approach that reduces risks before emergencies occur.
“We are called to act early, to reduce losses before they multiply, and to protect vulnerable communities before crises unfold,” he said.
The Vice President also directed NEMA and other relevant agencies to urgently review and align their budgets with approved allocations, establish clear priorities, and fast-track the release and deployment of funds.
He warned that delays in accessing already approved resources weaken emergency preparedness and hinder timely intervention.
Shettima further urged state governments to take ownership of flood preparedness within their jurisdictions, noting that federal coordination alone is not enough to achieve effective disaster response.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, described the initiative as a timely intervention, saying it would help reduce loss of lives and protect livelihoods when properly implemented.
He emphasized the need for central coordination using existing national systems, including the social register and digital payment platforms, in collaboration with subnational governments.
United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, praised Nigeria’s commitment to anticipatory action, describing it as a model for other African countries.
He noted that early action is more effective than emergency response, as it helps prevent avoidable loss of lives and property.
Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, said the agency has already begun issuing early warning alerts and prioritizing high-risk communities.
She added that the recently approved N83.2 billion intervention fund by the National Economic Council (NEC) would strengthen preparedness, reduce disaster impacts, and protect vulnerable populations.
The new directive signals a stronger shift by the federal government toward anticipatory disaster management, as authorities seek to improve coordination, speed up response systems, and reduce the impact of seasonal flooding across Nigeria.
