Shettima orders activation of flood early warning platform
Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the immediate activation of a national coordination and early action platform to strengthen Nigeria’s response to flooding as the rainy season reaches its peak.
The Vice President issued the directive on Thursday during a meeting of the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he called for a shift from emergency response to proactive preparedness in tackling flood-related disasters.
Shettima instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the AATF and other relevant agencies to begin technical consultations aimed at operationalising the proposed Fusion and Trigger Room concept within NEMA.
According to him, the platform will serve as a national hub for monitoring, forecasting, coordination and early intervention before disasters escalate.
“Preparedness, coordination and early action must become the standard practice of how risk is governed in this country,” the Vice President said.
He noted that climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, stressing that government efforts should focus on reducing losses before emergencies occur.
The Vice President also directed relevant agencies to review and update budgets in line with approved allocations, establish implementation priorities and ensure the prompt deployment of resources.
He warned against delays in releasing funds earmarked for disaster preparedness, saying anticipatory action depends on speed and readiness.
