Council backs proactive flood mitigation measures nationwide while Vice President urges governors to translate reforms into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the release of ₦83.2 billion under the Anticipatory Action Trust Fund (AATF) to tackle recurring flooding and strengthen disaster preparedness across Nigeria.
The approval was granted during Thursday’s NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking after the meeting, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu said the fund, approved from an initial proposal of over ₦166 billion, will support early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and flood mitigation initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of seasonal flooding.
Addressing council members, Shettima stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms must now deliver visible results for ordinary Nigerians, particularly farmers, manufacturers, vulnerable citizens, and young people.
The Vice President also called for greater focus on production, exports, and value addition, insisting that Nigeria must move away from exporting raw materials and importing finished goods.
He noted that improving agricultural exports, port efficiency, and international compliance standards remains critical to expanding Nigeria’s participation in global trade and driving sustainable economic growth.