ECOWAS donates nearly $2m for humanitarian aid to flood victims in Nigeria

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has donated nearly $2 million to aid flood victims in Nigeria.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation presented cheques to the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Red Cross Society of Nigeria during a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

At the launch of the Flood Assistance Programme, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sarr, handed over two cheques to representatives of the Federal Ministry. The Ministry then distributed the funds to the Red Cross and the WFP.

The Nigerian Red Cross received $906,205, aimed at assisting 3,500 households in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Rivers states. This funding will also be used to drill 12 water wells to ensure access to clean water, thereby reducing the risk of water-borne diseases in these communities.

Benson Agbro, Director for Disaster Management of the Nigerian Red Cross, highlighted the collaborative effort: “This agreement exemplifies our common commitment to humanitarian principles and the welfare of our citizens. Together, we are not just responding to a catastrophe, we are building a foundation for a more resilient and prosperous future for our nation.”

Prof. Sarr also presented a $1 million cheque to the Deputy National Director of the World Food Programme, Guy Adoua. This donation will support food, nutritional, and resilience-building programs in Katsina and Sokoto states, benefiting over 14,000 people over the next six months. Adoua emphasized the significance of this partnership: “This contribution will ensure food security and long-term resilience in the region, strengthening state government institutions and programs for greater sustainability.”

In her opening remarks, Fatou Sarr reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of those affected by humanitarian crises. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Abel Enitan, acknowledged the timely support, noting, “This substantial support comes at a crucial time when humanitarian assistance funding is diminishing globally, highlighting the importance of these projects in our ongoing fight against hunger and malnutrition.”

This initiative underscores the collaborative effort between ECOWAS, the Nigerian government, and international organizations to provide sustainable solutions and build resilience in flood-affected regions.