In a significant step to bolster humanitarian efforts, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intensified its support to communities in its member states through impactful, people-focused projects. A delegation from the ECOWAS Commission, led by Mr. Godfrey Ameachi Alozie, Program Officer for Humanitarian Affairs, participated in the flag-off ceremony for the ECOWAS Humanitarian Support to Nigeria for communities affected by the devastating floods of 2022, in Adamawa State of Nigeria on July 30, 2024.
Through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nigeria received a substantial flood assistance fund of $906,205 from ECOWAS aimed at community resilience building and recovery. In collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross, the ministry identified six of the most affected states: Adamawa, Anambra, Kebbi, Kogi, Oyo, and Rivers with a target of reaching 3,500 households within these selected states. Aside from food distribution and cash transfers to each household beneficiary, the project will also build two boreholes in each state to ease access to clean water.
Beneficiaries were selected through a transparent process ensuring that the most vulnerable households were prioritized. Each household received a comprehensive relief package which included 25kg of rice, 15kg of garri, 12kg of beans, 5 liters of palm oil, and 5 liters of vegetable oil. Additionally, each household was provided with a debit card loaded with N91,500 naira with a monthly withdrawal limit of N30,500 naira. Following the distribution of aid, a borehole was officially launched to improve access to clean water further enhancing resilience and recovery efforts.
During the ceremony Mr. Alozie reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to raising living standards and strengthening resilience on the path to recovery with dignity ensuring no one is left behind. He noted that with this initiative ECOWAS has transitioned from an ECOWAS of states to an ECOWAS of people as these projects target people directly. “Floods wreak havoc and expose us to losses. With Adamawa State having 1,000 households in the two selected LGAs it is our hope that these tokens will go a long way in improving their living conditions and recovery,” he said. He further explained that ECOWAS as a proactive organization will also be spending another $2 million for counter-terrorism operations and a stabilization fund.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Mr. Abel Enitan remarked “The 2022 floods had a devastating impact on most communities across the country but thanks to the Nigerian government and its partners especially ECOWAS and the Nigerian Red Cross substantial progress has been made in addressing needs.” The project has provided food items multipurpose cash assistance and boreholes in selected communities.
The Executive Governor of Adamawa State Ahmadu Fintiri represented by his Commissioner for Reconstruction Rehabilitation Reintegration and Humanitarian Services Barrister Bello Diram hailed the initiative pledging support from Adamawa State Government for all humanitarian initiatives both now and in future. “Your choice of Adamawa State demonstrates profound comprehension,” he stated.
The President of Nigerian Red Cross Society Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga saluted ECOWAS Federal Ministry Humanitarian Affairs Poverty Alleviation Adamawa State Government for their support commitment humanitarian services reiterating agency’s dedication assist support rebuild when called upon. “We are here not just today but as long as it takes restore hope dignity those affected floods other disasters mission clear alleviate human suffering beacon hope times despair,” he added.
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