The ECOWAS Emergency Flood Response Project in Bauchi State, Nigeria, has concluded. The initiative was facilitated by the ECOWAS Commission, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society. It involved distributing food and non-food items as well as multipurpose cash transfers worth $200,000 to families affected by the 2024 floods.
Since its inception on December 15, 2024, the project supported 1,000 families across Katagum, Jama’are, Zaki, Gamawa, Giade, and Kirfi local government areas. The Bauchi State government and the Nigerian Red Cross Society collaborated to identify beneficiaries to ensure that aid reached those most affected.
Dr. Oumar Aliyu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission represented by Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs stated that “the food, non-food items, and monetary support aim to provide relief, not replace losses. Beneficiaries should use the items effectively and invest the funds wisely for sustainable livelihoods.” He emphasized ECOWAS’s commitment to improving lives across West Africa through collaboration.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu represented by Valentine Ezulu highlighted the importance of partnership and transparency in this effort. “He assured that the Federal government through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is also working towards long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of flood disaster in the country.”
Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society called for resilience stating: “I urge everyone gathered here today and all humans privileged to have access to this speech…to remember that humanitarian work is a collective responsibility. Together we can build stronger and more disaster resilient communities.”
Under this project each affected household received a ₦75,000 cash transfer along with food items including rice (25 kg), beans (15 kg), gari (15 kg), vegetable oil (5 liters), and palm oil (5 liters). Additionally essential non-food items such as mosquito-treated nets were provided.
This initiative aligns with ECOWAS’s humanitarian response framework for all Member States focusing on six states in Nigeria during 2024: Adamawa Kogi Kebbi Oyo Anambra Rivers. Following these efforts plans are underway to extend assistance into Borno State before mid-2025.
