The National Economic Council (NEC) approved N83.21 billion to launch an Anticipatory Action Task Force aimed at mitigating the impact of flooding and other climate driven disasters across Nigeria. The decision was announced following the Council’s 158th meeting, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The task force is expected to focus on early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and rapid response mechanisms to protect lives and livelihoods.
However, reports indicate that the approved funding reflects a 50% cut to the original prevention budget. While the exact reasons for the reduction remain unclear, public health advocates warn that underfunding prevention efforts could undermine long term resilience, particularly in high risk states like Cross River, Kogi, and Bayelsa, where flooding has become an annual menace.
Flooding is a multifaceted public health threat. Beyond immediate drowning risks, stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and leptospirosis. The 2022 floods, which affected 33 of Nigeria’s 36 states, displaced over 1.4 million people and contaminated water sources for millions more. The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly flagged flooding as a catalyst for disease outbreaks, particularly in regions with weak sanitation infrastructure.
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