The United Nations released $5 million from the Central Emergency Fund (CERF). These funds support anticipatory action floods in Nigeria. This approach mitigates predictable shocks, like floods. It acts before the event.
Mohamed Malick Fall is the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. He said, “Anticipating and acting ahead of crises such as floods saves lives. It protects people’s livelihoods. It reduces their vulnerability.”
The $5 million allocation complements government efforts. The anticipatory action task force leads these efforts. This task force brings together key agencies. These agencies include the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the National Emergency Management Agency.
Anticipatory Action Floods in Nigeria: A Group Effort
This group effort addresses hazards. These hazards include floods, droughts, and cholera. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) leads anticipatory action globally. OCHA assists millions of people. OCHA addresses these hazards.
In October 2024, CERF released $5 million. This scaled up the flood response in Nigeria. It addressed critical needs in Borno, Bauchi, and Sokoto states.
The funds complemented a $6 million allocation from the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF). This included $2 million for anticipatory action. Planning for floods in Nigeria helps reduce the need for emergency responses.
NiMET’s 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction forecasts the rainy season’s start in northern Nigeria. This start is between June and July 2025. This time coincides with the lean season. Food insecurity and malnutrition levels rise then.
Nigeria’s 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) outlined a proactive approach. This approach is risk-informed. It dedicates 5% ($45 million) of total requirements ($910 million) for anticipatory action. This plan shows a commitment to address root causes. It prepares for potential crises. It shows a move to sustainable anticipatory action floods in Nigeria plans.
The $5 million CERF allocation represents only 11% of the needed amount for anticipatory action. This shows the need for more funding. More funding will scale up early action. Further investment in anticipatory action floods in Nigeria is important. The investment builds long-term resilience. Investment minimizes future flooding impact.