Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially inaugurated the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council (NFEDDMC) to address Nigeria’s escalating environmental and climate challenges.
The council’s mandate is to drive a cohesive national response to environmental crises, promoting interagency and regional collaboration for effective disaster management.
During the inauguration at the Presidential Villa on Friday, Shettima emphasised the urgency of unified action against natural disasters, which have increasingly affected Nigeria.
“This council will redefine disaster management by fostering collaboration across sectors, enabling resource-sharing and coordinated strategies for maximum impact,” Shettima stated.
The establishment of NFEDDMC stems from recommendations in an updated disaster management roadmap, crafted by a committee led by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, under the direction of the National Economic Council (NEC).
Shettima commended Nigeria’s weather prediction agencies for their accuracy this year, urging continued investment in cutting-edge technology and expertise to enhance community resilience.
The NFEDDMC is tasked with advising the federal government on disaster management policies, developing a national strategy with immediate, medium, and long-term goals, and increasing public awareness of climate resilience.
Shettima stressed the importance of rapid response, noting that ‘each agency must be prepared for urgent action as environmental crises demand swift responses.’
Confident in the council’s capacity, the Vice President said, “The path forward is challenging, but with our team’s expertise and determination, we can build a more resilient Nigeria.”
Shettima will chair the council, joined by the Governors of Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Jigawa States.
Other members include the Ministers of State for Water Resources & Sanitation and Environment, as well as the Directors-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, National Water Resources Institute, and National Emergency Management Agency.
The council also includes the Managing Directors of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Niger Delta Development Commission, and North East Development Commission, along with representatives from development partners.
