The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in partnership with ECOWAS and the World Food Programme (WFP), has provided support to 14,694 vulnerable individuals in Katsina and Sokoto states.
The initiative, launched on Friday in Katsina, is part of ECOWAS’s nutrition assistance and cash-based transfer vouchers under the second phase of the stabilization project. Governor Dikko Radda praised the Federal Government, ECOWAS, and other partners for their assistance, noting that the project would empower local institutions and implement best practices.
Radda assured that the state would facilitate continued collaboration with the donor partners, even after the project’s completion.
Amb. Olawale Emmanuel, Head/Director of ECOWAS National Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, highlighted the ongoing security challenges in the country, which have led to significant displacement and a food and nutrition crisis. He emphasized the government’s efforts to protect affected communities and provide post-crisis interventions.
Emmanuel also noted that ECOWAS established a special solidarity fund in 2016 to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of crisis-affected states in Northern Nigeria. This fund, which began with a $1 million commitment in 2020, has continued to support Nigeria’s economic recovery, with additional funds allocated in subsequent budgets.
Abel Enitan, Permanent Secretary of the humanitarian affairs ministry, explained that the project will impact 14,694 vulnerable people in Katsina and Sokoto, with each state having 7,347 beneficiaries. The project will provide nutritional support to prevent hunger and ensure that pregnant women and the elderly receive adequate care. Additionally, cash-based transfer vouchers will offer families the flexibility to address their most urgent needs, such as food, healthcare, or education.
Manuela Reinfield, Deputy Head of Programme at WFP, stated that the project is timely, given the worsening food security due to regional insecurity. The program intends to provide a monthly cash transfer of ₦11,500 to approximately 14,500 beneficiaries in the two states for six months.