NEC Approves N83.21bn For Anti-Flood Task Force, Slashes Budget By 50%

The National Economic Council on Thursday approved N83.21 billion for the implementation of an Anticipatory Action Task Force aimed at mitigating flooding and other climate-related disasters across the country.

The approval followed a reduction of an initial N166.42 billion request submitted to the council by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, effectively slashing the proposed fund by 50 per cent.

The council took the decision at its 158th meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu said the approved fund would be drawn through the Federation Account Allocation Committee to support anticipatory interventions against flooding.

Otu said the purpose of the request was to seek the consideration of council for the approval and disbursement of funds to facilitate the implementation of the approved Anticipatory Action Task Force interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of annual flooding.

He noted that states historically prone to flooding were specifically mentioned during deliberations, and that the council ultimately resolved to approve only half of what was requested while committing to revisit the framework at subsequent meetings.

The council underscored the importance of the task force in addressing disasters and emergencies across the country and stressed that NEC must ensure timely release of funds to prevent losses.

The decision reflects growing concern over the annual cycle of flooding that has displaced communities and destroyed property in several states.

Sources: Punch