Tinubu launches $250m programme to empower Nigerians displaced by climate disasters

President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a 10-year, US$250 million initiative aimed at restoring livelihoods and empowering Nigerians displaced by climate-related disasters, particularly flooding.

The programme, known as the Climate-Resilient Livelihoods Empowerment Programme for Displaced Populations (CLEP4DPS), was announced in the President’s opening address at a special event on climate-induced mobility held under Nigeria’s chairmanship of the Rabat Process. The forum brought together global leaders and development partners to examine the intersections between climate change, migration, security and development.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu—who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume—said the initiative reflects a shift from short-term emergency responses to long-term, people-centred solutions.

According to the President, CLEP4DPS will focus on economic empowerment as a core climate adaptation strategy. Key components include climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy entrepreneurship, climate data and digital employment, green value chains, and dedicated leadership tracks for women and youth.

“He announced the Climate-Resilient Livelihoods Empowerment Programme for Displaced Populations (CLEP4DPS), a 10-year, US$250 million initiative designed to empower displaced persons through climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy entrepreneurship, climate data employment, green value chains, and dedicated women and youth leadership tracks,” the statement said.

Tinubu noted that the Federal Government has continued to support flood-affected families through targeted relief, resettlement and recovery efforts, including coordinated cash and material assistance. He said displaced families are being resettled in planned communities such as the Resettlement City Project, with access to basic services and livelihood support, under the supervision of relevant humanitarian and emergency agencies.

The President added that the new programme complements other initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Global Flood Disaster Management Project, which focuses on early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, improved disaster coordination and community engagement nationwide.

Describing climate change as one of the biggest drivers of human mobility globally, Tinubu stressed that climate-induced displacement is a present reality for Nigeria. He cited the 2022 floods that affected more than 4.4 million people and displaced about 2.4 million across over 30 states, as well as recurring floods that continue to put pressure on host communities and infrastructure.

He also pointed to environmental degradation in the Lake Chad Basin, coastal erosion along Nigeria’s shoreline and desertification in parts of the country, noting that these challenges have eroded livelihoods and forced communities to migrate in search of survival.

Tinubu called for stronger international cooperation, emphasising that climate-induced mobility is a transnational challenge that no single country can address alone. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive partnerships, evidence-based policymaking and sustained dialogue within the Rabat Process.

The President expressed appreciation to Switzerland, the European Union, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development and other partners for their support, expressing hope that the engagement would lead to concrete collaboration linking climate action, migration governance and sustainable development.

Nigeria has in recent years experienced worsening climate-related disasters, including flooding, desertification and coastal erosion, displacing millions and disrupting livelihoods across several states. In response, the Federal Government has intensified climate adaptation and disaster preparedness efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda, while working with international partners through platforms such as the Rabat Process to address the growing nexus between climate change, migration and development.