The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced intentions to formulate a regional resilience strategy aimed at addressing crises within the region through improved coordination and the implementation of effective early warning systems.
Mr. Mustapha Ahmed, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), disclosed this during a consultation workshop for stakeholders from the region held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The workshop, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, convened participants from ECOWAS Member States.
Ahmed highlighted that ECOWAS member states have encountered various disasters, crises, and conflicts, which have jeopardized normal life, the livelihoods of the population, and sustainable economic growth and development.
“There is no doubt that there is a compelling need to develop a regional resilience strategy with efficient coordination and effective early warning systems for West Africa.
“This will guide anticipatory actions to support the deployment of qualitative and quantitative data for risk-informed decision-making to guide development programme implementation.
“It is imperative for the region to leverage its rich natural and human capital for smart investments to meet its future aspirations.
“Nigeria, on its part, has strived hard to weather the storm in the face of extreme weather events coupled with conflicts over dwindling land and water resources powered by climate change phenomena and demographic dynamics,” he said.
He emphasized that the prevailing disaster risk profile in West Africa has posed a significant threat to the region’s ability to meet important global and continental initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
Ahmed noted that to address this challenge, ECOWAS has introduced initiatives such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015–2030, the African Agenda 2060, which includes the African Union Programme of Action (AUC-PoA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) treaty.
He pointed out that traditional practices such as subsistence farming, shifting cultivation, and pastoralism based on cross-border seasonal movement of livestock have become unsustainable due to rapid population growth and diminishing land resources.
According to the NEMA boss, this situation has exacerbated conflicts between occupational groups that previously complemented each other.
“It has driven banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and a decline in rural productivity.
“In 2022, Nigeria experienced its worst recorded flood disaster. The extent of devastation and destruction of property, as well as the loss of lives and means of livelihood, were unprecedented.
”A total of 665 deaths were reported; while 3,181 people were injured, 4,476,867 people were affected, out of which 2,437,411 persons were displaced from their homes.”
On the importance of the forum, Ahmed said, “Nigeria stands to benefit from the initiative of developing the West African Resilience Strategy, which would guide in addressing the destructive impacts of the multi-dimensional risks in the country.”
Dr. Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, expressed concern that West African nations are confronted with escalating losses from disasters, projected to rise in the coming decade.
Touray’s remarks were conveyed by Prof. Fatou Sarr, the Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs at ECOWAS.
He emphasized that the forum aims to bolster transparent communication and collaboration, which undoubtedly will bolster resilience and sustainable development throughout the region.
“The impact of climate change, which is expected to result in more extreme weather situations such as heavy rains leading to devastating floods and droughts, remains the most severe disaster in West Africa.
“I am delighted that, after a retrospective analysis, the ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will resolve to develop a resilience strategy for the region,” he said.
Ms. Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission and supporting countries, Sweden and Denmark, for their involvement and co-financing of the resilience strategy.
She highlighted that with a projected population of over 900 million by 2050, including a majority under 25 years old, addressing the needs of the youthful population necessitates innovative approaches in the region.
Attafuah conveyed confidence in the resilience and determination of the people of West Africa to surmount these challenges through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.
The workshop, according to reports, serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to refine analysis, identify synergies, and prioritize components of the strategy that will have the most significant impact on resilience-building endeavors.
The overarching objective is to map a trajectory towards a more resilient West Africa, wherein individuals, communities, and states can enhance their preparedness, management, and recovery from crises.
The workshop is anticipated to yield fruitful outcomes, contributing significantly to the improvement of the lives of millions across the region.