“We must act now to protect lives and livelihoods by leveraging science, technology, and collaboration,” Shettima said
BY ANTHONY OMOH
The Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has called for immediate action to combat flooding, stressing the importance of science, technology, and collaboration. Speaking at the Anticipatory Action Task Force on Floods (AATF) meeting on March 18, 2025, Shettima urged stakeholders to adopt proactive measures to mitigate disaster impacts.
“We must act now to protect lives and livelihoods by leveraging science, technology, and collaboration,” Shettima said. The meeting, attended by key stakeholders including the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, focused on shifting Nigeria’s flood response from reactive relief to proactive preparedness.
The AATF initiative aligns with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. These frameworks emphasize proactive disaster preparedness to protect vulnerable communities.
During the meeting, Prof. Anosike highlighted NiMet’s role in providing impact-based forecasts. “NiMet’s forecasts enable timely alerts before extreme weather events, helping communities respond effectively. By integrating these forecasts with early warning systems, we enhance risk awareness and response capabilities,” he said.
Prof. Anosike outlined priority areas for improving NiMet’s forecasting capabilities, including enhancing weather models, investing in advanced technologies, expanding observation networks, and applying machine learning techniques. “These measures ensure our forecasts are timely, precise, and actionable,” he added.
Shettima expressed concern over the human and economic toll of floods, describing it as “unbearable.” He called for collective efforts to address climate change challenges, urging stakeholders to work together to build a resilient nation.
The AATF meeting marks a significant step in Nigeria’s proactive disaster management approach. By leveraging science, technology, and collaboration, the initiative aims to reduce flood impacts and protect millions of Nigerians.
