ECOWAS gathers in Abuja to tackle humanitarian challenges

In a bid to confront the pressing humanitarian issues affecting vulnerable populations across its Member States, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has convened a Regional Consultation Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria.

The three-day workshop, spanning from March 26th to 28th, 2024, aims to unite key stakeholders in validating baseline data concerning the humanitarian needs assessment of Persons of Concern (PoCs), encompassing internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, returnees, stateless people, asylum seekers, and their host communities.

In her inaugural address, Dr. Sintiki T. Ugbe, the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the imperative of collective action in mitigating humanitarian crises within the region. Dr. Ugbe elucidated the workshop’s primary objective: to scrutinize priorities, obstacles, and prospects based on data compiled from the region. Notably, the data highlight the substantial displacement wrought by conflicts and climate change-related factors.

Dr. Ugbe emphasized the necessity for synchronized endeavors to address the burgeoning humanitarian exigencies and reiterated ECOWAS’ unwavering commitment to supporting Member States in ameliorating the plight of affected populations.

Furthermore, Ezulu Valentine, the Director of Humanitarian Affairs at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, representing the Nigerian government, stressed the urgency of validating baseline data on humanitarian needs. Mr. Valentine accentuated Nigeria’s dedication to confronting internal displacement and extending international protection to those in dire need.

The Permanent Secretary implored for collective action in dispensing efficacious humanitarian aid to the region’s most vulnerable demographics, ensuring inclusivity and leaving no one behind.

The ECOWAS Regional Consultation Workshop in Abuja stands as a pivotal initiative in fostering collaboration and coherence in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by humanitarian crises across West Africa.