Anticipatory Action Task Force Submits Disaster Impact Reduction Plan to Vice President Shettima
The Federal Government has elevated flood prevention to the level of national security priority through the introduction of a new Anticipatory Action Framework on Floods, designed to transition Nigeria’s disaster management approach from reactive measures to early, coordinated response strategies.
The new framework incorporates both scientific and traditional data collection methods, clear triggers for early action, and a consolidated budget to enhance preparedness and resilience, particularly in flood-prone states and communities across the country.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday during the official submission of the draft framework and budget by the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF), Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised the importance of proactive disaster prevention, stressing the need for science-based approaches to national emergencies.
“Disasters are security issues. For too long, we have relied solely on reactive responses. By embracing this initiative and believing in science, we have laid down the roadmap for proactive disaster management,” the Vice President stated.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership in driving disaster preparedness reforms and also praised the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for providing technical coordination for the initiative.
“We will rally all key stakeholders involved in the Nigerian project to support this effort. Together, we can mobilise resources and tackle our most pressing challenges,” Shettima added.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the framework as a significant paradigm shift in the nation’s disaster management philosophy.
“We are moving from reaction to recovery, and most importantly, from losses to prevention. For example, in 2004, over 1.2 million people were displaced and 1.3 million hectares of arable land were destroyed by floods, resulting in over $1 billion in damages. If we can invest even one percent of that amount proactively, we can prevent far greater losses,” the Minister said.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, reinforced the importance of anticipation in national disaster planning.
“Often, natural disasters are beyond our control, but how we respond is what truly matters. No matter how many resources a nation has, without anticipation and readiness, the consequences will be severe,” Ribadu warned.
Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, Mrs Inna Audu, outlined the task force’s timeline and work since March, which includes the inauguration of the AATF, a validation workshop, and evidence-based data collection using both traditional and scientific tools.
She also announced the formation of a Strategic Communication Working Group under the Office of the National Security Adviser, within the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), headed by Major General Adamu Garba Laka.
“This team is responsible for rolling out a layered communication and advocacy strategy, using information from the Trigger Group to ensure states, local governments, and communities are informed, engaged, and prepared to act on early warning signals,” she explained.