Key points

• Nigeria has launched a 90-day plan to prevent flooding during the rainy season.

• The plan focuses on early warning systems, financing, and local preparedness.

• The government aims to reduce flood-related losses by up to 60 percent.

The Nigerian government has announced a comprehensive 90-day plan aimed at preventing floods during the upcoming rainy season.

With the rainy season expected to begin soon, the government is taking proactive steps to combat the annual floods that often lead to fatalities and the destruction of homes and farmland.

Addressing climate-induced disasters with a new approach

Vice President Kashim Shettima launched the plan on April 16, 2025. The initiative focuses on a shift from reactive to proactive disaster management.

Shettima emphasized that Nigeria must confront the rising threats of climate-induced disasters, such as floods, which affected over five million Nigerians in 2024.

The government is introducing a framework that incorporates early warning systems powered by satellite technology, designed to deliver life-saving information in real-time.

In his speech, Shettima highlighted that floods have become an urgent issue for Nigerians. “These disasters are no longer distant threats. They are here, knocking at our doors, sweeping through our streets,” he said.

The Vice President acknowledged that the country could no longer rely on reactive approaches to manage flooding, stressing the need for proactive measures.

Strategic pillars of the anticipatory action plan

The newly launched framework is based on three strategic pillars: early warning systems, pre-triggered financing, and localized preparedness.

These elements are designed to offer timely alerts and necessary resources before disasters unfold.

The government’s plan also includes establishing a dedicated group to monitor meteorological and emergency data, enabling the forecasting of floods up to two weeks in advance.

Shettima noted that anticipatory actions could reduce flood-related losses by up to 60 percent.

He pointed to past successful examples, such as in Benue State, where trained volunteers evacuated over 80,000 people within 72 hours after early warnings were issued.

Collaborating to strengthen disaster resilience

The initiative has garnered support from various sectors, including international organizations and development partners.

Shettima and other government officials stressed the importance of integrating data and policies to ensure effective disaster management.

“We must take ownership of this framework and embed it into our institutions,” Shettima said.

The plan also includes securing funding and ensuring accountability for its implementation. Nigerian officials are optimistic that this proactive approach will safeguard lives and reduce the devastating impact of floods.