NATIONAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

A Policy establishes a comprehensive framework for preventing and managing flood disasters across Nigeria. It mandates coordinated action among government agencies and promotes community resilience in flood-prone areas. This effort strengthens early warning systems and aims to reduce national vulnerability to floods.

What Is This Policy?

The National Flood Risk Management Policy is Nigeria’s comprehensive framework for preventing, mitigating, and managing flood disasters, integrating hydrological monitoring, community preparedness, infrastructure planning, and insurance mechanisms.

Who Does It Target?

The policy is directed at government agencies (NIHSA, NEMA, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Environment), ensuring coordinated flood management. It also targets communities and citizens, especially those in flood-prone areas, by promoting awareness and resilience.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

The policy aims to reduce Nigeria’s vulnerability to floods by strengthening early warning systems, improving infrastructure, and promoting community resilience. It seeks to prevent loss of lives and property, integrate insurance mechanisms to protect citizens and businesses, and align Nigeria’s flood management with global best practices.

Key Features

Early Warning Systems: Real-time flood forecasting by NIHSA. Community Preparedness: Awareness campaigns and local resilience programs. Infrastructure Planning: Flood-resistant housing, drainage systems, and dams. Insurance Mechanism: Development of a National Flood Insurance Policy (2025). Interagency Coordination: Collaboration among NIHSA, NEMA, and Environment Ministry. Climate Adaptation: Integration of climate change projections into flood planning

Current Status

Rollout Stage: active Coverage: applies nationwide Beneficiaries to Date: low income earners Funding: Federal Government allocations

How to Access

 Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA): https://nihsa.gov.ng Federal Ministry of Water Resources: https://waterresources.gov.ng (waterresources.gov.ng in Bing) Federal Ministry of Environment: https://environment.gov.ng (environment.gov.ng in Bing) National Assembly Portal: https://nass.gov.ng

Important Terms

Term 1-Flood Risk Management This goes beyond simply responding to floods after they occur. It is a holistic approach that combines prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. It means identifying flood-prone areas, reducing exposure through infrastructure planning, preparing communities with awareness campaigns, responding effectively during flood events, and supporting recovery afterward. The emphasis is on minimizing both human and economic losses Term 2- Early Warning Systems These are technological and institutional mechanisms that predict floods and alert communities in advance. In Nigeria, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) uses rainfall data, river monitoring, and satellite imagery to forecast floods. Early warnings allow communities to evacuate, protect property, and reduce casualties.

Official Resources

Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Website: https://nihsa.gov.ng 📍 Address: Plot 222, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja 📞 Phone: +234 (0) 9 290 8700 ✉️ Email: [email protected] Federal Ministry of Water Resources Website: https://waterresources.gov.ng (waterresources.gov.ng in Bing) Federal Ministry of Environment Website: https://environment.gov.ng (environment.gov.ng in Bing) Link to document- https://www.scribd.com/document/710428913/Draft-Strategic-Plan-April-2023

Legal Framework

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; National Emergency Management Agency Act; Environmental Impact Assessment Act; Water Resources Act; Climate Change Act 2021; Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030