The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unveiled plans to develop a regional resilience strategy with efficient coordination and effective early warning systems to tackle crisis within the region.
The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mustapha Ahmed, made this known at a Consultation Workshop for the Stakeholders from the region on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mustapha Ahmed, made this known at a Consultation Workshop for the Stakeholders from the region in Abuja.
The workshop organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, brought together participants from ECOWAS Member States.
Ahmed said ECOWAS member states had experienced series of disasters, crisis and conflicts that had posed threats to normal life, the means of livelihood of the people 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 to guide development programme implementation.
“It is imperative for the region to leverage on its rich natural and human capital for smart investments to meet up with its future aspiration.
“The impact of climate change which is expected to result in more extreme weather situations such as heavy rains leading to devastating floods and drought which remains the most severe disasters in West Africa.
“I am delighted that after a retrospective analysis, the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will resolved to develop a resilience strategy for the region,” he said.
On her part, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission and supporting countries, Sweden and Denmark, for their engagement and co-financing of the Resilience Strategy.
She said 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 requires innovative approaches in the region.
She expressed confidence in the resilience and determination of the people of West Africa to overcome these challenges through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.
NAN also reports that the workshop provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to refine the analysis, identify synergies, and prioritise components of the strategy that will have the greatest impact on resilience-building efforts.
The goal is to chart a path towards a more resilient West Africa, where individuals, communities, and states can better prepare, manage, and recover from crises.
The workshop is also expected to be a successful and fruitful endeavor that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions across the region. (NAN)
