The Federal Government has moved to combat the perennial flood disasters in the country with the development of the National Flood Insurance Policy and Implementation Framework.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari said the government took the step in the light of the reoccurring flood disasters experienced almost yearly in the country, and proactive and sustainable approach towards flood risk management.
He made the revelation at the Technical Committee Meeting (TCM) on the Development of the National Flood Insurance Policy and Implementation Framework in Abuja, while also calling on stakeholders and communities to transit from taking reactive measures and be proactive in tackling flood risk.
Kambari explained that the establishment of a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as encapsulated in Berthing 4 of the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy (NEFCOP) stands as a cornerstone of this strategy.
He noted that the programme would provide financial resilience by offering a safety net for individuals, businesses, and communities, enabling swift recovery from flood-induced losses as well as alleviate government expenditure by reducing the fiscal burden on federal and state resources that are allocated for emergency relief and reconstruction.
He added that the programme would institutionalize risk-sharing and coordinated flood risk mitigation among the Federal, State, and Local Governments, as well as private sector stakeholders, particularly floodplain developers.
Kambari outlined the objective of the technical committee meeting to include taking comprehensive analysis into underlying causes of recent flood, engage with stakeholders as well as formulate policies that will craft a robust insurance policy that addresses the unique challenges posed by flooding in Nigeria and Implement Roadmap that will establish clear timelines, responsibilities, and monitoring mechanisms to translate policy into actionable outcomes.
The Permanent Secretary, while reiterating that the gathering is not only timely but critical, stressed that “as climate change, rapid urbanization, and land use pressures increase the frequency and severity of flood events across Nigeria, the need for a coordinated and sustainable approach to managing flood risks has become more urgent than ever. Our rural communities, coastal zones, and low income populations continue to bear the brunt of these disasters, with devastating economic, social, and environmental consequences”.
He added that: “The escalating frequency and severity of flood events demand immediate and decisive action. As participants in this TCM, your expertise, insights, and commitment are invaluable. Let us approach this task with unwavering commitment and purpose, knowing that the lives, livelihoods, and future resilience of our communities depend on the solutions we craft today.”
