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Government at All Level in West Africa Need to Conscientiously Budget for Disaster- ECOWAS

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Government at All Level in West Africa Need to Conscientiously Budget for Disaster- ECOWAS

By: Michael Mike

Every level of government has been asked to conscientiously budget for disaster in order to checkmate its regular occurrence which recent research stating that it has left about 75 percent population of West Africa exposed and adversely impacted.

Speaking at the mid-term consultative meeting of the Regional Committee for Disaster Management in West Africa organised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in Abuja on Tuesday, the Deputy Director Climate Change Department, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana, Frank Nansam-Aggrey, said there is need for coordinated efforts to tackle disaster in West Africa.

He said: “Disaster issues have become very complex. Every now and then, we hear stories in West Africa about disaster that affects our population. Disasters have many exposed in the subregion, and according to research about 75 percent of our people are exposed to one form of disaster or the other. It is flooding, if it is not flooding then it is drought, if it is not drought it is conflict, so it has become imperative that the subcommittee looks at the issues of disaster very critically for our population is being affected every now and then.”

Nansam-Aggrey who acknowledged that ECOWAS is doing the best with its resources, said “but for financial constraints sometimes that do not make the bloc to meet up to the needs of its member countries.”

He however said: “The countries need to do more, disaster management is looked at as abstract issues, making budgeting to become somewhat of abstract. We need to go the extra mile to clearly and decisively budget for disaster issues so that it is not left to chance and as if it is futuristic.

“It is actually with us. We need to make more efforts from community level, district level to the national level, and all actors must be involved to channel all the resources we can gather to make sure we are all safe in the subregion.”

He said: “The time has come for us to begin to look at the West Africa regional preparedness against extreme disaster occurrences such as floods, fires and other disasters causing total havoc to human existence. Generally, disaster occurrences occasioned by natural and man-made hazard events have increased in the past three decades causing a lot of distress situations to over 75% of West Africa’s population.”

He lamented that: “As reported in the ECOWAS Policy for Disaster Risk Reduction document, large number of people and their livelihoods in West African countries are exposed and vulnerable to at least one hazard event which is further compounded by conflicts and diseases. In addition, in some instances, disasters have put development at risk and likewise, development decisions have led to increases in disaster risks.”

He however said: “In response to these scenarios and through the support of national governments and the ECOWAS Commission to some extent, member states are increasingly intensifying their interests and efforts in disaster risk reduction. In spite of these efforts, significant disaster events such as flooding, sea erosion, and drought keep escalating in severity and magnitude in the sub-region causing budget overruns for member states. As climate change factors continue to worsen extreme weather events, vulnerabilities of our people will equally increase leading to negative financial implications for member countries. This confirms the conclusion that the extent of vulnerability to hazards in the sub-region account for the level of disaster devastation being experienced annually by countries in the region amid inadequate public financing to maintain and enhance resilience or provide relief assistance for disaster victims.”

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar who was represented by the agency’s Director, Disaster Risk Reduction, Dr. Daniel Obot decried that “the West African subregion which is characterized by its diverse geography, population and cultures has a complex relationship with nature and human induced disasters.

“Over the years, the subregion has experienced series of disasters, crises and conflict that have posed serious threats to the human population, the environment, infrastructure and means of livelihood.”

He added that: “With this disaster scenario, the regional recovery roadmap, the regional resilience strategy, the roster of experts amongst others will have to be deployed for significant progress to be recorded in the management of disaster risk in West Africa in line with the ECOWAS goal of inclusive coordination and harmonization of disaster risk management efforts.”

On his part, the Head of ECOWAS Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Division, Mohammed Ibrahim said: “In West Africa and the Sahel region, the magnitude of vulnerability and exposure to hazards and losses from disasters is expected to continue increasing over the next decade. Countries are particularly vulnerable to sudden onset events such as floods, alongside ongoing issues like land degradation, water scarcity, and coastal erosion, which have increased in occurrence and severity due to the adverse effects of climate change.”

He noted that: “Conflict remains primary driver of displacement, but climate change has significantly impacted migration decisions across West Africa over the last few decades. The overlap of conflict and climate disasters underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated responses to break the cycle of climate change and armed conflict and to increase humanitarian access and funding that supports resilience and adaptation to climate change.”

Government at All Level in West Africa Need to Conscientiously Budget for Disaster- ECOWAS

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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