The Federal Government of Nigeria has disbursed more than ₦300 billion to 8.1 million households through its Conditional Cash Transfer scheme, according to Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Yusuf Sanunu. Speaking at a round‑table event marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in Abuja, Sanunu said the scheme, run by the National Social Investment Agency, has strengthened community resilience by improving health, education and overall capacity.
Sanunu also announced plans to provide interest‑free loans totaling ₦6.3 billion to 21,000 Nigerians affected by flood disasters nationwide. Each beneficiary will receive over ₦300,000 to offset the impact of flooding on farming and to help mitigate the ensuing crisis. The initiative is intended to support affected communities in recovering from the devastating effects of floods.
In addition to the loan programme, the government is working to empower internally displaced persons (IDPs) through a market‑access scheme. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the government will purchase 70 % of the produce generated by IDPs, while the remaining 30 % will be sold on the open market. The proceeds from the government purchase will be given to the IDPs as a cash component, enhancing their economic stability.
Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency Zubaida Umar emphasized the need for a proactive, preventive approach to disaster risk management. She noted that, like many nations, Nigeria is experiencing more frequent and intense disasters driven by climate change, conflicts and technological risks. Umar called for a shift from reactive, ad‑hoc funding to a multi‑stakeholder financing architecture that supports prevention, preparedness and sustainable recovery.
The round‑table also marked the official launch of two landmark policy instruments: the NEMA Strategy Plan (2025–2029) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2025–2030). These frameworks aim to integrate disaster risk management into planning across all sectors, ensuring a risk‑informed development approach. Attendees included Vice President Kashim Shettima, lawmakers and international partners, underscoring the government’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and resilience.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate a significant effort to address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Nigeria. By providing financial support and promoting economic empowerment, the government seeks to enhance local resilience and mitigate the impact of disasters. As climate‑related threats continue to rise, the effective implementation of these schemes will be crucial for sustainable recovery and development.
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