The Economic Community of West African States has begun distributing its $906,205 (N1,449,928,000) aid to Nigerian communities severely impacted by the 2022 floods.
This announcement was made in a statement published on ECOWAS’s website on Friday, August 2, 2024.
The aid distribution was officially launched in Adamawa State, marking a significant step in ECOWAS’s commitment to enhancing humanitarian efforts across member states through impactful, people-focused projects. The funds, converted at an official rate of N1,600.86 per US dollar by the Central Bank of Nigeria, are aimed at bolstering community resilience and aiding recovery.
In collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, ECOWAS will target six of the hardest-hit states: Adamawa, Anambra, Kebbi, Kogi, Oyo, and Rivers, assisting 3,500 households in these areas.
During the launch in Adamawa, led by Mr. Godfrey Ameachi Alozie, ECOWAS’s Program Officer for Humanitarian Affairs, food and cash assistance were distributed to 1,000 households. Each household received a comprehensive relief package, including 25kg of rice, 15kg of garri, 12kg of beans, 5 liters each of palm and vegetable oil, and a debit card preloaded with N91,500, with a monthly withdrawal limit of N30,500. Additionally, a new borehole was inaugurated to improve access to clean water.
Mr. Alozie emphasized ECOWAS’s dedication to improving living standards and aiding recovery efforts with dignity, highlighting the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable communities. ECOWAS also plans to invest an additional $2 million in counter-terrorism operations and a stabilization fund.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Abel Enitan, praised the initiative, noting the significant impact of the floods and the progress made with support from ECOWAS and the Nigerian Red Cross.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by Barrister Bello Diram, commended ECOWAS for its understanding of the region’s needs.
The aid is part of a broader response to the 2022 floods, which caused extensive damage estimated between $3.79 billion and $9.12 billion, with significant impacts on households throughout Nigeria, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The floods resulted in severe losses and highlighted the need for improved flood risk financing and insurance measures.
