Strengthening Flood Preparedness in Nigeria: EU and IRC Conclude Groundbreaking Project

Strategic Insights -

A groundbreaking project aimed at strengthening flood preparedness in Nigeria has been successfully concluded by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the European Union. The project, which received over EUR 762,500 in funding from the EU, focused on reducing the risks of urban flooding in Adamawa State, northeast Nigeria, by empowering local residents to prepare for and respond to floods before disaster strikes. Climate change has exacerbated the frequency and severity of disasters in the region, and the project's outcomes demonstrate the importance of anticipatory action in safeguarding lives and strengthening resilience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project reached more than 52,000 people across Adamawa State, with a focus on vulnerable communities, including women, youth, people with disabilities, and displaced populations.
  • The project equipped communities with early-warning systems, inclusive planning tools, and localized preparedness protocols, which have been integrated into national disaster risk reduction strategies.
  • The IRC has operated in Nigeria since 2012, initially responding to catastrophic flooding in Kogi State, and has since expanded its services to support crisis-affected communities across the northeast.
  • The project has built on strong collaborations with local and national institutions, including the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA), and the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA).
  • Anticipatory action is crucial in reducing the risks associated with climate-driven disasters, and the project has demonstrated its effectiveness in saving lives, strengthening resilience, and restoring livelihoods.

Statistics:

  • Over EUR 762,500 in funding was provided by the European Union to support the project.
  • The project reached more than 52,000 people across Adamawa State.
  • The IRC has operated in Nigeria since 2012, supporting crisis-affected communities across the northeast.
  • Over 700 IRC staff are working in Nigeria, bringing expertise in disaster preparedness and anticipatory action.
  • Climate change has exacerbated the frequency and severity of disasters in Nigeria, with unprecedented flooding in 2024 causing food insecurity and cholera outbreaks.

Sources:

  • M2 COMMUNICATIONS RDATE:26082025
  • M2 PRESSWIRE-August 26, 2025-
  • International Rescue Committee (IRC)
  • European Union
  • Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA)
  • Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET)
  • Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA)
  • Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA)