ECOWAS donates N640 million to support flood victims in Borno, Bauchi
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has provided a financial donation of N640 million to the Federal Government of Nigeria to aid flood victims in Borno and Bauchi States.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by ECOWAS officials to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Representing ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, expressed solidarity with the Nigerian government and the affected communities.
She noted that the purpose of the visit was to extend condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and to express ECOWAS’s commitment to helping Nigeria recover from the devastating floods.
“The donation of N640 million will be equally distributed between Borno and Bauchi States, with each state receiving N320 million to assist with flood recovery efforts,” Professor Sarr announced.
In response, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel O. Enitan, praised ECOWAS for its generosity and its ongoing commitment to supporting Nigeria during times of crisis.
He emphasized that the donation reflects the strong bond between ECOWAS and Nigeria, especially under the leadership of President Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of ECOWAS.
“This financial assistance is a symbol of your solidarity with Nigeria and reinforces the vision of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Enitan stated. “It reminds us that we have reliable partners who are ready to stand with us during challenging times.”
Enitan assured the ECOWAS delegation that the funds would be utilized transparently and effectively, with credible partners engaged to implement flood recovery programs. He also appealed for the timely release of the funds to ensure that the relief efforts reach those in need as soon as possible.
While expressing gratitude for the donation, Enitan also highlighted that Borno and Bauchi were not the only states affected by flooding, as other regions have also been impacted by the ongoing climate crisis.
He called for additional support to strengthen Nigeria’s climate resilience and enhance preparedness for future emergencies.
Valentine Ezulu, Director of Humanitarian Affairs at the Ministry, extended a vote of thanks, acknowledging ECOWAS for its consistent support over the years in assisting vulnerable citizens affected by disasters across Nigeria. He urged continued collaboration to support other states affected by the floods.
The event was attended by key officials from the Ministry, the ECOWAS Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ECOWAS National Unit, and Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to ECOWAS.
