The National Economic Council on Thursday approved N83.21 billion for the implementation of an anticipatory action task force to mitigate the impact of flooding and other climate-related disasters nationwide.
This came as the council held its 158th meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, who briefed State House correspondents alongside other governors, said the Council approved N83.21bn after receiving an initial request of N166.42bn tabled by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
According to Otu, “The purpose of the request was to seek the consideration of the council for the approval and disbursement of funds through the Federal Account Allocation Committee to facilitate the implementation of the approved anticipatory action task force interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of anticipated flooding and other climate-related agencies across the country.
“We know that flooding now is almost a recurring decimal, and the federal government was very happy that we are putting some retroactive steps to make sure that the mitigation comes on in time to save the states,” he added, noting that states historically prone to flooding were specifically mentioned during deliberations.
He said the council ultimately resolved to approve only half of what was requested, while committing to revisit the framework at subsequent meetings.
“Council noted the importance of the AATF in addressing disasters and emergencies across the country.
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“Council also underscored the fact that NEC must act promptly and must not be seen as always reacting to situations rather than being proactive when these disasters occur.
“Council approved the sum of N83,211,800,818.81, 50 per cent of the proposed budget for the AATF, with a plan to review the framework at subsequent meetings as part of broad measures aimed at tackling flood and related disasters,” he stated.
Responding to questions on the rationale for the 50 per cent cut, Otu explained that the reduction was based on a resource-conscious initial step and not a rejection of the urgency of the request.
He explained, “I want you to know that this is the first time as a nation that we are taking proactive steps. Most of the time, we’ve waited till flood has done its damage before we act, but this time around, we are taking proactive steps to mitigate the possibilities of the flood, which is a perennial issue.
“Therefore, it’s a work in progress. We thought that at least we should begin to put things in place, and as we evaluate and assess the situation going forward, the council will definitely make more provisions going forward.
“But you have to now look at it in the context of the resources available, so that you can be able to put mechanisms in place in a very proactive manner.
“That is the essence for which the council decided to reduce it by 50 per cent, and as we get along and evaluate the situation, we’ll be able to make more adequate provisions.”
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