ECOWAS Set To Develop Regional Resilience Plan To Address Crises

ECOWAS Set To Develop Regional Resilience Plan To Address Crises.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has revealed its intentions to craft a comprehensive regional resilience strategy, aiming for efficient coordination and robust early warning systems to confront challenges within the region…..READ ALSO

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 in Abuja on Tuesday.

Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, the workshop brought together participants from ECOWAS Member States.

Ahmed highlighted that ECOWAS member states have encountered a series of disasters, crises, and conflicts, posing significant threats to livelihoods, economic growth, and sustainable development in the region.

He emphasized the urgent need to formulate a regional resilience strategy with streamlined coordination and effective early warning mechanisms to guide anticipatory actions and facilitate data-driven decision-making for development programs.

Ahmed stressed, “It is essential for the region to harness its abundant natural and human resources for strategic investments to realize its future aspirations.”

He underscored Nigeria’s efforts to withstand challenges posed by extreme weather events and conflicts driven by climate change and demographic shifts.

According to Ahmed, West Africa’s predominant disaster risk profile has hindered the region’s progress towards key global and continental initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

He noted ECOWAS’s initiatives, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015–2030 and the African Agenda 2060, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) treaty, aimed at addressing these challenges.

Ahmed emphasized the unsustainability of traditional agricultural practices and pastoralism, leading to conflicts over land and declining rural productivity.

He cited Nigeria’s experience with the 2022 flood disaster, the worst on record, which resulted in significant loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of property.

Ahmed highlighted the importance of the forum, stating that Nigeria stands to benefit from the development of the West African Resilience Strategy, which will guide efforts to mitigate multidimensional risks in the country.

Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, represented by Prof. Fatou Sarr, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, ECOWAS, emphasized the increasing losses from disasters facing West African countries.

Touray highlighted the need for transparent communication, collaboration, and resilience-building efforts across the region.

Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission and supporting countries for their engagement in developing the resilience strategy.

She emphasized the importance of innovative approaches to address the needs of the region’s youthful population, expressing confidence in West Africa’s resilience and determination to overcome challenges through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.

The workshop serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to refine analysis, identify synergies, and prioritize components of the strategy to enhance resilience-building efforts across West Africa.