he President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray has revealed plans to donate N640 million to those affected by the recent flood in Borno and Bauchi States.
The Commission explained that both States would get N320 million each.
Touray, who was represented by the ECOWAS Commissioner of Human Development and Social Affairs, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, announced the donation in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
He said: “”To demonstrate our solidarity to the people of Nigeria, especially the victims and the communities affected, and to address the immediate effect of the disaster, critically affecting women, children and other vulnerable groups with thousands of people in need of humanitarian services such as food, shelter, water, sanitation, emergency health and protection needs, the ECOWAS Commission is donating the sum of over N320 million for assistance to the victims of the flood in Borno State. The sum of over N320 million for assistance to the victims of the flood in Bauchi State.
“ECOWAS is delighted to inform you that we are committed to our humanitarian principles and will maintain our assistance to Nigeria and other Member States in times of humanitarian emergency.”
Touray also called for collaboration with the Government of Nigeria in delivering humanitarian assistance.
While expressing the Commission’s gratitude to Nigeria, he reiterated his commitment to work with the present administration in its quest to bring succour to the population in distress.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Abel Enitan lauded the ECOWAS Commission for the support.
Enitan, while appealing that the funds should be released promptly for utilisation, assured the Commission that the Ministry will ensure accountability and transparency in the implementation of the fund by engaging critical implementing partners.
Enitan also called for more assistance from the Commission and other Development Partners, adding that the flood affected other States across the country.
