The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the World Food Programme (WFP) have jointly allocated $1.6 million to address the escalating malnutrition and poverty crisis in Katsina and Sokoto States, exacerbated by rampant banditry and internal displacement.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to provide humanitarian aid to the region. A significant shipment of 5,000 metric tons of wheat, donated by the Ukrainian government, is expected to arrive in the Northwest this weekend, further bolstering WFP’s relief efforts.

Manuela Reinfield, Deputy Head of Programme at WFP, disclosed this at the launch of the second phase of the ECOWAS, WFP, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Stabilisation Project for 2024/2025 in Katsina.

Reinfield, disclosed that the project took off at the right time, considering the deteriorating food security situation and insecurity situation in the North-west. He said the project aims to provide monthly cash transfers of N11,500 to approximately 14,500 beneficiaries in both Katsina and Sokoto States for the next six months

In addition to cash transfers, she said the initiative will distribute nutritious food, including corn-soya blend, to pregnant and lactating women and their children under two years old to prevent malnutrition. Katsina and Zamfara States will also receive unconditional food assistance from the wheat grain shipment arriving from Ukraine.

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Ambassador Sani Nuhu, the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS, explained that the regional bloc established a Stabilisation Fund to support victims of terrorism and banditry in the region. Given the dire situation in the Northwest, ECOWAS allocated $1 million annually to Nigeria to implement social alleviation programs for affected communities.

According to him, WFP was selected as the implementing partner to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.

Olumuyiwa Enitan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, assured that beneficiaries were carefully selected based on vulnerability criteria. The ministry identified 14,694 vulnerable individuals in Katsina and Sokoto States, including 7,347 in two local government areas of Katsina State.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda commended ECOWAS, WFP, and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for their support. He emphasised the project’s potential to empower state institutions and promote best practices, ensuring long-term sustainability and technical collaboration.