Vice President Kashim Shettima (middle); National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu (2nd from right); National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka (far right); Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda (2nd from left) and United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall (far left) during the Validation Workshop on Framework for the Anticipatory Action for Nigeria at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja on Wednesday (16/04/2025)
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday launched Nigeria’s Anticipatory Action Framework at a validation workshop in Abuja, signalling a shift from reactive disaster management to proactive flood prevention.
The framework leverages early warning systems, community empowerment, and pre-arranged financing to mitigate climate-induced disasters, which impacted over five million Nigerians in 2024.
Shettima stated, “These disasters are no longer distant threats… They are here, knocking at our doors,” emphasising the need to abandon costly reactive approaches that lose 5% of GDP annually.
A key feature is a trigger group—comprising NiMet, NiHSA, NEMA, NASRDA, NOA, and partners like UNOCHA and FAO—designed to provide two-week flood forecasts.
“Studies have shown that anticipatory action can reduce losses by up to 60 per cent,” Shettima said, citing Benue’s evacuation of 80,000 people in 72 hours. The framework rests on early warnings, pre-triggered financing, and localised preparedness.
Minister Nentawe Yilwatda urged using the National Social Register for resilience, advocating for risk management laws and real-time monitoring tech.
UN’s Mohamed Malick Fall praised Nigeria’s regional leadership, while NSA Nuhu Ribadu linked disaster management to security.
Inna Audu, Special Assistant to the President, stressed an integrated early warning system, aligning with Tinubu’s vision for a disaster-resilient Nigeria.