By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially adopted a National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP) to address the escalating threat of flood-related disasters nationwide.
The policy was unveiled on Thursday, June 26, 2025, during a Technical Committee Meeting in Abuja focused on the development of the NFIP and its implementation framework.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Mahmud Kambari, represented by Mr. Kunle Awojemila, Deputy Director in the Department of Flood Erosion Control and Coastal Management, described the initiative as a strategic shift from reactive disaster relief to proactive and sustainable flood risk management.
“The time has come to shift from reactive responses to proactive and sustainable flood risk management,” Kambari said.
He noted that the NFIP, rooted in Section Four of the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy (NEFCOP), is designed to reduce the financial strain on federal and state governments while providing a safety net for citizens and businesses.
The policy is expected to enable quicker recovery from flood-related losses, support long-term resilience, and improve national preparedness.
A technical committee will oversee implementation, setting clear timelines, responsibilities, and monitoring mechanisms.
Also present at the meeting, Mrs. Rukayat El Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council and Climate Change, represented by Mrs. Inna Audu, highlighted the critical need to prioritize flood insurance, especially for agrarian communities along the River Niger, River Benue, and their tributaries that suffer recurring, devastating losses.
“Insurance is not something to consider after disaster strikes; it’s a preparedness tool,” El Rufai emphasized.
She noted the trillions of naira lost in recent years due to floods and advocated for standalone flood insurance policies tailored to the country’s unique vulnerabilities.
Mr. Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion and Coastal Zone Management Department—represented by Mr. Abdullahi Atta—added that the NFIP framework will focus on inclusive delivery, regulatory alignment, financing models, and community-level implementation.
The aim, he said, is to enhance resilience, protect vulnerable populations, and accelerate post-flood recovery efforts.
