Abuja: The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), in collaboration with government and private sector stakeholders, has announced a $500 million fundraising effort for the Global Flood Disaster Management Project (GFDMP). The ‘Stay Afloat’ initiative aims to enhance early-warning systems, expand resilient infrastructure, build technical capacity, and boost community engagement in flood-prone regions.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Abubakar Kyari, representing President Bola Tinubu, emphasized that floods are global threats with significant impacts on human security, agricultural productivity, economic stability, and sustainable development. He highlighted Nigeria’s annual losses due to recurrent flooding, which include destroyed farmlands, damaged infrastructure, and mass displacement, all worsened by climate change.
Kyari explained that the GFDMP would introduce advanced forecasting tools, real-time monitoring networks, and digital alert systems to provide communities with adequate preparation time during emergencies. The project will also support resilient infrastructure, such as reinforced drainage channels, river embankments, wetland restoration, and improved urban planning.
Kyari stressed the importance of national capacity building, noting that emergency responders, engineers, environmental planners, and local innovators would receive specialized training to enhance disaster-preparedness systems. He pointed out that community engagement will ensure active involvement of farmers, local leaders, and vulnerable groups.
Earlier, Mr. Umar Mohammed, Director-General of NIHSA, remarked that flood statistics represent real families whose livelihoods have been disrupted. He emphasized that preparedness is more cost-effective than emergency intervention and that the fundraising effort aligns with Nigeria’s National Flood Emergency Preparedness Framework and climate-resilience agenda. Mohammed called for sustained investment from government, the private sector, development partners, and philanthropists, assuring donors of transparency and strong legislative oversight in fund application.
Dr. Pascal Agbodike, Chairman of the House Committee on Hydrological Services, confirmed legislative support for the initiative, stating that prevention is more cost-effective than response. He promised strict oversight on funds allocated to early-warning technologies, community preparedness, and infrastructure.
Amb. Godknows Igali, a former federal permanent secretary and diplomat, noted that floods are the world’s most common natural disaster. He explained that Nigeria’s geographical location downstream of major river basins, coupled with its extensive coastline, makes riverine and coastal flooding inevitable. He cautioned that climate change exacerbates risks through heavier rainfall, rising seas, and unpredictable weather patterns.
Prof. Salihu Mustapha, Chairman of the NIHSA Board, stated that flood management is a collective responsibility involving government, communities, and the private sector. He highlighted the potential benefits of properly managed floodwaters, such as supporting irrigation, recharging water bodies like Lake Chad, and improving soil nutrients for agriculture, urging citizens to contribute to prevention efforts.
Goodwill messages were delivered by former NIHSA directors-general, representatives of the National Emergency Management Agency, the National Directorate of Employment, and other partners, who commended the initiative and pledged ongoing collaboration. The event attracted lawmakers, development partners, technical experts, and members of the diplomatic community.