ECOWAS: W’Africa Struggling with Effects of Surging Population Growth

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lamented that member states are currently facing hard times as they are finding it difficult to cope with population growth and subsequent demand for housing, transportation, basic services, food, jobs, and urban livelihood.

Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Consultation Workshop on ECOWAS Regional Resilience Strategy for West Africa in Abuja yesterday, the ECOWAS Commissioner on Human Rights and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou  Sarr, said the current realities of rapid population growth in West Africa with women and children being worst victims have contributed to increased demand for housing and  transportation.

According to him, these issues further strain the coping capacity of the region as member states struggle to recover from these challenges.

 He said the workshop taking place in Abuja for three days, marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to strengthen regional stability, peace, and development in West Africa.

Sarr noted that the overall objective of the workshop is to bring together key technical stakeholders to deliberate on the development of a comprehensive regional resilience strategy that will enhance the collective capacity to address the complex challenges facing the region.

He added: “This forum which is to enhance and promote transparent communication and collaboration will certainly foster resilience and sustainable development across our region.

“West Africa, with an estimated population of 446,452,019 equivalent to 5.47 per cent of the total world population is faced with a magnitude of vulnerability and exposure to hazards and losses from disasters expected to increase over the next decade

“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 in West Africa remain some of the most severe disasters in West Africa.”

On her part, the Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, said West African region is undergoing significant demographic, social, economic, environmental, and political transformations.

She noted that the population of the region is expected to exceed 900 million by 2050, with over 64 per cent under 25 years old.

“These demographic changes have a bearing on the effectiveness of our current policies, resource allocation decisions, and development trajectory, demanding innovative approaches to address the needs of our youthful population.

“Despite abundant natural resources, their sustainable exploitation and equitable distribution of the benefits to communities remain a challenge. While West Africa contributes to only 1.8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the region faces rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions,”  she added.

Attafuah, who was represented by Deputy Resident Representative Nigeria, Mr. Blessed Chirimuta, however, expressed confidence in the resilience of the people of West Africa to overcome the challenges.

Also, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Ahmed, said the workshop was coming at a time economic downturn had impacted the entire world with adverse socio-economic outcomes.