Niger govt to release budgeted funds for disaster response

News Niger govt to release budgeted funds for disaster response Published on April 22, 2026 By Priscilla Dennis googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); The Niger State Government has assured that it will begin the release of budgeted funds to strengthen preparedness and response to disasters, as part of efforts to reduce the impact of future shocks across the state. This follows recent warnings by the Federal Government that 33 states, including Niger, may experience flooding this year. The Commissioner for Planning Commission, Mustapha Ndajiwo, disclosed this at a three-day stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the Niger State Shock Response Framework, organised in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, in Minna. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); He said provisions had already been made in the 2026 budget for disaster response, counterpart funding, and related interventions, stressing that funds would be deployed when necessary. Ndajiwo noted that Niger State remains highly vulnerable to disasters, adding that the government is reviewing existing strategies to improve response and build a more coordinated system. He further explained that while policies exist in sectors such as agriculture, food security, and nutrition, implementation has often been fragmented, making it necessary to develop a unified Shock Response Framework that integrates planning, emergency management, and social services. Speaking in an interview, the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Mohammed Inga Ibrahim, said the ministry would work with stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and community resilience. He stressed the need for proactive measures and sustainable financing, noting that emergency response must be backed by a clear funding mechanism to enable rapid action before crises escalate. Ibrahim also called for stronger inter-ministerial coordination and the use of early warning systems based on data such as rainfall patterns, food prices, and nutrition indicators to trigger timely interventions. In her goodwill message, UNICEF WASH Specialist for the Kaduna Field Office and Emergency Focal Person for Niger State, Theresa Pamma, said the meeting aims to mobilise resources for effective disaster response, adding that UNICEF would continue to provide technical support. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Planning Commission, Aishatu Usman, warned that Niger State remains exposed to recurring shocks such as flooding, inflation, and insecurity, which often erase years of development gains and hit vulnerable households the hardest. Don't Miss CAN tackles Isaac Omolehin,​ denies split, missing relief funds allegations You may like Five dead, three injured in electrocution incident along Katcha highway Police bust interstate car theft syndicate, recover stolen vehicles in Niger Niger CAN chairman laments insecurity, says nobody safe in Nigeria U-17 WWCQ: Guinea thrash Niger to book date with Flamingos Police inspector arrested for armed robbery dies from bullet wounds in Niger Immunization: Niger, Korea, UNICEF to tackle high burden of zero-dose children

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/22/niger-govt-to-release-budgeted-funds-for-disaster-response/