For over a decade, Nigeria has faced significant security challenges due to the activities of Boko Haram. This has led to substantial loss of lives, displacements, loss of livelihoods, and exacerbation of food and nutrition crises. These issues have primarily affected the Northern States of Nigeria, forcing the population to move frequently, sometimes from being internally displaced and vice versa. The situation has severely weakened the coping mechanisms and thresholds of individuals and communities.
In response to directives from Heads of State, the ECOWAS Commission established a Stabilization Fund with an initial commitment of $1 million in the 2020 budget. This was part of its support for Nigeria's Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, known as the "Buhari Plan," alongside other ongoing international efforts in the region. Following this initial commitment, another $1 million was approved in ECOWAS's 2023 budget to further assist victims in Northern Nigeria.
The implementation of the Stabilization Fund commenced on August 30, 2024, in Katsina State, Nigeria. The event was attended by several dignitaries including His Excellency Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda Ph.D., Executive Governor of Katsina State; Mr. Abel Enitan, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS; and Ambassador Olawale Awe from the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ECOWAS National Unit. Representing the ECOWAS Commission was Mr. Alozie Amaechi Godfrey from the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs.
During the event, six months' worth of nutrition assistance was provided to 6,788 malnourished children and 5,657 pregnant and breastfeeding women in Katsina and Sokoto States. Additionally, cash-based transfers amounting to N107,200 were distributed to meet food assistance needs for 1,949 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups.
Other forms of assistance included livelihood support programs, capacity strengthening for state systems, and psycho-social support aimed at fostering social cohesion and peace.
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