The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation received a donation of $2 million from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to support flood relief efforts in Nigeria.
The funds were distributed to the World Food Programme and the Nigeria Red Cross Society.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Fatou Sarr, handed over the cheques to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during the inception meeting of the Flood Assistance Programme.
The Ministry then disbursed the funds to the Red Cross and the World Food Programme.
According to the statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday, the Nigerian Red Cross, which aims to reach 3,500 households in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi and Rivers states, got a cheque of $906,205.
The Red Cross will also dig 12 water boreholes to ensure access to clean water, thereby reducing the risk of water-borne diseases in selected communities.
The Director for Disaster Management of the Nigerian Red Cross, Benson Agbro, stated that the collaboration showcases their commitment to humanitarian principles and the well-being of citizens.
The project implemented by WFP will provide food and nutrition assistance to more than 14,000 individuals over a period of six months. It will also provide livelihood support and psycho-social support to promote social cohesion and peace.
The Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme, Guy Adoua, expressed gratitude for the partnership and emphasized the long-term food security and resilience it will foster. Stating, ” This partnership will continue to deliver essential food, nutrition and resilience-building support to the communities in Katsina and Sokoto states and strengthen state government institutions and programmes for greater sustainability.
“ECOWAS and the Government of Nigeria have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people with a generous contribution. Together, we are creating sustainable solutions that will ensure long-term food security and resilience in the region.”
ECOWAS Commissioner Fatou Sarr reiterated the organization’s dedication to alleviating the suffering of those affected by crises.
She announced that in addition to the flood disaster relief, the ECOWAS Commission will provide $1 million to support victims of violence in Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Abel Enitan, highlighted the significance of these projects in the face of dwindling global funding for humanitarian assistance.
