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 to support those directly affected. Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Yusuf Sanunu said the loan scheme is part of the government’s broader effort to address the consequences of flooding and to improve the resilience of local communities. He disclosed this information at a round‑table 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 reached 8.1 million households with over ₦300 billion through the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, improving health, education and overall well‑being for beneficiaries. The minister also noted plans to provide further support to displaced persons by creating a market for their products.
Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, emphasized the need for a proactive, 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. To guide collective action, NEMA has launched two landmark policy instruments: the NEMA Strategy Plan and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy. These frameworks focus on risk‑informed development, innovative financing and institutional collaboration to mainstream resilience across sectors.
NEMA is also developing a National Risk Monitoring and Information Platform to deliver early‑warning systems, vulnerability mapping and risk‑informed investment decisions. Discussions are underway on innovative financing options, such as catastrophe bonds and climate funds, to sustain risk‑reduction efforts. The loan disbursement and related initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting disaster‑affected populations and reducing the risk of future catastrophes, with the potential to improve the lives of thousands of Nigerians and contribute to the country’s overall development and resilience.
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