FG to Disburse ₦6.3 Billion Interest-Free Loans to 21,000 Nigerians Affected by Floods

• The Federal Government of Nigeria will soon distribute ₦6.3 billion in interest-free loans to 21,000 flood-affected Nigerians, according to Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to disburse ₦6.3 billion in interest-free loans to 21,000 Nigerians affected by recent flood disasters across the country.

The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, made the announcement on Monday in Abuja during a roundtable marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

According to the minister, the initiative is part of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) and is designed to cushion the effects of flooding while enhancing food security nationwide.

“In the next few weeks, 21,000 Nigerians will receive interest-free, collateral-free loans of ₦300,000 each,” Sununu said.

“This intervention is designed to support farmers and strengthen communities affected by flooding.”

Sununu also revealed that through the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, the Federal Government has already reached over 8.1 million households, disbursing ₦300 billion to improve resilience, health, and education among vulnerable Nigerians.

“The process will continue under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.

The minister further disclosed that the government will soon launch an empowerment scheme for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

“Under this partnership, IDPs will retain 30% of their produce while the government off-takes 70%, providing direct cash payments to the participants,” he explained.

NEMA Raises Alarm on Climate Risks

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, warned of escalating threats from climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, and erosion.

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Speaking at the event, Umar emphasized the need for a shift from reactive to proactive disaster management, announcing the launch of two new frameworks:

• NEMA Strategic Plan (2025–2029)
• National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2025–2030)

These policies, she said, will promote risk-informed development, institutional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making through a National Risk Monitoring and Information Platform.

Umar also urged Nigeria to explore innovative financing mechanisms such as climate funds, catastrophe bonds, and blended finance models to sustain long-term disaster prevention and recovery efforts.

Floods Kill 238, Displace Over 135,000

According to NEMA’s 2025 Flood Dashboard (as cited by The Punch), at least 238 persons have lost their lives and 135,764 others displaced following devastating floods that swept through multiple states as of October 10, 2025.

The agency also reported that 409,714 Nigerians have been affected, with 826 injured and 115 missing nationwide.

Flood-related fatalities were recorded across several states, underscoring the urgent need for stronger climate resilience and infrastructure investments.

The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, lawmakers, and development partners.

Sununu assured Nigerians that the government’s humanitarian response will prioritize sustainable recovery, food production, and poverty reduction, in line with President Tinubu’s economic reform goals.

“We are determined to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind,” the minister said. “This loan initiative is a step toward rebuilding hope and restoring livelihoods.”