By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing flood resilience in Nigeria, with a particular focus on Niger State, through a new supplementary budget project implemented by UNESCO.
The Embassy of Japan in Nigeria shared the development on its Facebook page, underlining its commitment to long-term societal stability and climate resilience in the country.
On 28 January 2026, Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo participated in the Arrangement Letter Signing Ceremony for the project, titled “Strengthening Flood Resilience in Nigeria to Foster Long-Term Societal Stability – Focus on Niger State,” at the UN House in Abuja.
The event drew several dignitaries, including Dr. Hajo Sani, Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO; Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, Permanent Secretary of the Ecological Project Office; Dr. Latif Olagunju, Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO; and Dr. Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, Acting Head of the UNESCO Abuja Office.
The initiative, funded by the Japanese government with a contribution of approximately USD 53,000, is designed to shift Nigeria’s approach from reactive disaster response to proactive, climate-resilient development strategies. Implementation will be carried out by the UNESCO Abuja Office.
In his remarks, Ambassador SUZUKI emphasized that “the project contributes to fostering South-South and triangular cooperation through UNESCO’s networks and Japan’s expertise in disaster risk management via the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM).”
