The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to provide interest-free loans totaling ₦6.3 billion to 21,000 individuals affected by flood disasters across the country. This intervention aims to mitigate the impact of flooding on food security and support those affected by the disasters.
According to the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yusuf Sanunu, the loan scheme is part of the government’s efforts to address the consequences of flooding and improve the resilience of local communities. The minister disclosed this information at a roundtable event marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in Abuja, which was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, lawmakers, and international partners.
In addition to the loan scheme, the government has also reached 8.1 million households with over ₦300 billion through the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme. This initiative has improved the health, education, and overall well-being of the beneficiaries. The minister noted that the government is planning to provide additional support to displaced persons by creating a market for their products.
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, emphasized the need for a proactive and preventive approach to disaster risk management. She highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters in Nigeria, driven by climate change, conflicts, and technological risks. The agency has launched two landmark policy instruments, the NEMA Strategy Plan and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, to guide collective efforts in disaster risk management.
These frameworks focus on risk-informed development, innovative financing, and institutional collaboration to mainstream resilience across sectors. The agency is also working on a National Risk Monitoring and Information Platform to provide early warning systems, vulnerability mapping, and risk-informed investment decisions. The discussion on innovative financing options, such as catastrophe bonds and climate funds, is also underway to sustain risk reduction efforts.
The loan disbursement and other initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by disasters and reducing the risk of future disasters. The significance of these efforts lies in their potential to improve the lives of thousands of Nigerians and contribute to the country’s overall development and resilience.