FG Overhauls National Erosion, Flood Control Policy to Tackle Climate Challenges

The Federal Government of Nigeria has revised the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy (NEFCOP) to strengthen the country’s approach to managing erosion, flooding, and other environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change. The announcement was made by Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, during a national stakeholders’ validation workshop held in Abuja.Organized by the Ministry of Environment in partnership with the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, the workshop aimed to validate the updated policy. Originally launched in 2005, the NEFCOP had become outdated, prompting a comprehensive review to address emerging environmental realities and the growing impacts of climate change.Kambari highlighted the devastating effects of erosion and flooding, noting that these hazards have claimed lives, displaced thousands, destroyed farmlands, and damaged critical infrastructure, undermining Nigeria’s socio-economic development. “Erosion and flood challenges are not merely environmental issues; they are also developmental, social, and economic challenges,” he stated. The revised policy, he explained, represents a milestone in establishing a coordinated, evidence-based framework for managing these issues through integrated land and water resource management.The updated NEFCOP aims to provide a holistic approach to preventing and mitigating the impacts of erosion and flooding while promoting sustainable practices. Kambari called on stakeholders to ensure the policy reflects Nigeria’s diverse ecological and administrative contexts and to commit to its implementation, monitoring, and periodic review. “Environmental sustainability is an imperative for survival and national development,” he emphasized.Musa Shaibu, representing the ACReSAL project, praised the Ministry’s efforts and pledged continued support for erosion and flood control initiatives. Meanwhile, Usman Bokani, Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management at the Ministry, expressed alarm over the rising frequency of erosion incidents nationwide, warning that they pose significant threats to livelihoods and infrastructure. Bokani noted that the revised policy incorporates modern technology and has undergone extensive technical consultations to align with national priorities and international best practices.The revamped NEFCOP is expected to guide federal and state governments in mitigating erosion and flood risks, fostering climate resilience, and promoting sustainable development across Nigeria.

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