Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially inaugurated the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council, a new body aimed at addressing Nigeria’s increasing environmental and climate-induced challenges. The inauguration took place on Friday at the Presidential Villa.
During his speech, the Vice President highlighted the necessity for a coordinated response to the natural disasters that have been affecting the nation.
The establishment of the council is a direct response to an updated disaster management roadmap proposed by a committee headed by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, which was directed by the National Economic Council (NEC).
Shettima commended the accuracy of Nigeria’s weather predictions this year, attributing this success to local agencies, and encouraged all relevant departments to continue investing in advanced technology and expertise to enhance community support.
The council’s mandate includes advising the government on disaster management strategies, formulating a national disaster management plan with immediate, medium, and long-term measures, and increasing public awareness about climate resilience.
VP Shettima will chair the council, which comprises governors from Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Jigawa States, as well as various federal ministers and directors from key agencies involved in water resources, meteorology, and emergency management, alongside representatives from development partners.
