FG ELEVATES FLOOD PREVENTION TO NATIONAL SECURITY PRIORITY

The Federal Government has elevated flood prevention to a national security priority with the unveiling of a new Anticipatory Action Framework on Floods. The framework aims to move disaster response from reactive to early, coordinated response and build resilience in states and communities prone to seasonal floods. In a statement, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria must now believe in science and pursue a roadmap for disaster prevention.

“Disasters are security issues,” Shettima said. “Over the years, we have only been reacting instead of practising proactive disaster management. By seizing this initiative, and believing in science, we have carried out all the due processes of finding a roadmap.” Shettima applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership on disaster preparedness and praised the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for coordinating the process.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, said the new framework represents a paradigm shift in disaster management. “We are shifting from reaction to recovery,” Yilwatda said. “We are also shifting from losses to prevention. That is the main purpose of why we are here today.” Yilwatda highlighted the devastating impact of floods, citing the 2004 flood that displaced 1.2 million people, destroyed 1.3 million hectares of arable farmlands, and resulted in over $1 billion in losses.

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, stressed the need to act swiftly and proactively, noting that “often, natural disasters are outside of our control, but reaction is ours.” Ribadu warned that without preparedness, one is likely to suffer the worst consequences of natural disasters.

Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, Mrs Inna Audu, provided details of the work done by the task force, including the creation of a Strategic Communication Working Group under the NSA’s office. The group has developed a tiered communication and advocacy plan to ensure that states, LGAs, and communities are well-informed, engaged, and prepared to act on early warning triggers.