The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has begun distributing its $906,205 (approximately N1.45 billion) aid package to Nigerian communities affected by the catastrophic floods of 2022. This effort was officially launched in Adamawa State, where ECOWAS aims to provide relief and support to bolster recovery and resilience among the hardest-hit regions.
In a statement released on Friday, August 2, 2024, ECOWAS detailed its collaboration with the Nigerian Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the Nigerian Red Cross to deliver essential aid to the most affected states—Adamawa, Anambra, Kebbi, Kogi, Oyo, and Rivers. The initiative targets 3,500 households, ensuring that each receives comprehensive relief packages including foodstuffs and cash assistance.
In Adamawa, 1,000 households were identified to receive aid. Each household was provided with N91,500 and a package containing 25kg of rice, 15kg of garri, 12kg of beans, and 5 liters each of palm oil and vegetable oil. Additionally, a borehole was inaugurated to enhance access to clean water in the community, further supporting recovery efforts.
Mr. Godfrey Ameachi Alozie, ECOWAS’s Program Officer for Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized the organization’s commitment to elevating the living standards of citizens across its member states and ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind in recovery efforts. The aid distribution in Adamawa, according to Mr. Alozie, is a testament to ECOWAS’s dedication to helping Nigeria recover from the devastating floods that caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Abel Enitan, praised ECOWAS and its partners for their critical role in addressing the needs of affected communities, while Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by Barrister Bello Diram, acknowledged ECOWAS’s understanding of the region’s unique challenges.
The 2022 floods, which resulted in significant damages estimated between $3.79 billion and $9.12 billion, highlighted the urgent need for robust disaster management strategies in Nigeria. ECOWAS’s aid is part of broader efforts to support flood-stricken communities and build resilience against future disasters.
