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Flooding on the long bridge, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, at Warewa, Ogun State... on Thursday. Photo: Stanley Ogidi
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council at the State House, Abuja.
The creation of the council followed recommendations from an updated roadmap on disaster management developed by a committee led by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo under the direction of the National Economic Council.
The council’s mandate is to establish a comprehensive approach to combating the growing challenges of environmental and climate-induced disasters, focusing on collaborative efforts across government agencies and regions.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed this in a statement he signed Friday titled, VP Shettima inaugurates national council to address flood, erosion, climate.’
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration, Shettima stressed the need for a unified response to natural disasters that have increasingly impacted Nigeria.
“This council will chart a new course in the management of nature-induced disasters, moving beyond siloed efforts and fostering a collaborative, resource-sharing model for optimal performance,” he stated.
Shettima acknowledged the accuracy of Nigeria’s weather predictions this year, crediting local agencies for their efforts and urging all departments to “continue acquiring the latest technology and expertise to better serve our communities.”
The NFEDDMC’s responsibilities include advising the federal government on disaster management strategies, developing a national disaster management strategy with immediate, medium, and long-term measures, and enhancing public awareness of climate resilience practices.
According to Shettima, each agency involved must be prepared to act promptly, as environmental disasters often require urgent responses.
The vice president expressed confidence in the council’s ability to confront the challenges posed by climate.
“The journey ahead is challenging, but I believe in the expertise and resolve of our team. Together, we can build a more resilient Nigeria,” he noted.
The vice president is the council’s chairman, with Governors of Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi and Jigawa States as members.
Other members are the Minister of State, Water Resources & Sanitation; Minister of State for Environment; Directors-General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, National Water Resources Institute, and National Emergency Management Agency
Others include Managing-Directors of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Niger Delta Development Commission, North East Development Commission and representatives of development partners.
