As the rainy season continues across Nigeria, the International Organisation for Migration is releasing an additional $668,000 through the Rapid Response Fund, to support emergency humanitarian relief for flood-affected communities.
The IOM disclosed this in a press statement on Thursday.
The statement noted that the new funding package would support localised humanitarian operations by IOM’s partners Relief Rescue Initiative, Safer World Foundation and Community Engagement and Social Development Initiative in Jigawa, Katsina and Bauchi states where tens of thousands of people are grappling with the impacts of the catastrophic floods.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance whose generous contributions to the RRF make this response possible,” said IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission ad interim, Paola Pace.
“Their support is vital in enabling IOM and local partners to provide life-saving assistance and to help communities rebuild and recover from the catastrophic impacts of the floods,” she added.
More than 1.3 million people have been affected by floods this year in 34 states across Nigeria, with at least 320 people killed and an estimated 258,000 hectares of farmland destroyed.
The floods have triggered massive displacement in some communities, as over 740,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.
In October, IOM finalised the allocation of an initial $1.8m to nine local and international non-governmental organisations to support emergency response to the floods.
The organisation, however, noted that the second allocation brings to over $2.4m the total amount allocated by IOM to local partners to respond to flooding in Nigeria in 2024.
“This will bolster the delivery of essential services and aid, including emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation facilities, and protection, and multi-purpose cash assistance to more than 228,777 people.
“These interventions are designed to address the immediate needs of flood-affected communities and to promote their recovery and resilience.
“IOM’s efforts are in close coordination with governmental agencies, local authorities, and other humanitarian partners to ensure a comprehensive and effective response.
“The organisation remains committed to working collaboratively to deliver timely and impactful assistance to those in need,” it concluded.