FG Urged To Fast-Track Coastal Development Through WACA

A group, Delta Riverine Communities Infrastructural Development Initiatives (DRCIDI), has called on the federal government to expedite participation in the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Investment Project to access World Bank funding for the development of riverine communities across the country.

DRCIDI, operating under the umbrella body of Motivated Youth And Children Empowerment Foundation (MY-ACE Foundation), has been at the forefront of the agitation for holistic development plans for riverine settlements, especially oil-producing communities in Delta State.

The group, in a statement by its Chairman, Comrade Samuel Besidone Eyengho, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its renewed commitment to developing the Niger Delta region and urged the federal government to take advantage of alternative funding bodies like WACA to complement its efforts, especially during this time of economic recovery.

The WACA project is tailored to enhance coastal resilience and address challenges along the West African coastline, and DRCIDI believes it offers an opportunity for strategic resource use to address critical issues like coastal erosion, ocean surges, flooding, pollution, and mangrove depletion in these areas.

The group emphasized the need for community engagement and empowerment, which WACA prioritizes, to ensure that local stakeholders are actively involved in decision-making processes and take ownership of development initiatives, fostering long-term resilience.

DRCIDI urged the federal government to fast-track Nigeria’s participation in the WACA project, which many other West African countries have benefited from since 2018, to restore hope to impacted communities, address their critical challenges, unlock potential for sustainable development, and enhance the overall resilience of Nigeria’s coastal zones.

The statement reads in part; “We the members of the above Advocacy group hereby called on the federal government to expedite participation in the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Investment Project to develop coastal communities along Escravos, Forcados, Benin River, and other coastal areas that are very critical for several reasons”.

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“The call had become imperative putting into consideration the financial constraints under President Tinubu’s administration, even as we are aware of the availability of substantial funds from the World Bank to intervene in critical areas of developmental and social impact projects”

“The WACA project, in particular, is a prime example of such funds that can go a long way in creating social and economic impact in the communities that are affected by coastal erosion”.

“We consider the urgent need for Intervention in Coastal communities along Escravos, Forcados, and the Benin River face severe challenges, including environmental degradation and existential threats from oil and gas operations, as well as the impacts of climate change. These communities are in dire need of interventions to mitigate these effects”.

“While we appreciate the ongoing Coastal road from. Lagos to Calabar Spanning approximately 853 km, the body state that these coastal areas are economically, ecologically, and socially significant in the development of the region as it would spur economic growth, enhance environmental sustainability, and improve the livelihoods of local communities”

“Consequently, accelerating Nigeria’s participation in this laudable project directs the much needed attention towards the development of these coastal communities which aligns with the WACA program’s goals which are focused on enhancing coastal resilience and addressing the challenges along the West African coastline. This targeted intervention will lead to significant progress at both national and regional levels”.

“The WACA project offers an opportunity for the strategic use of resources to address critical issues such as coastal erosion, ocean surges, flooding, pollution, and mangrove depletion in these areas. This ensures that the investments have measurable impacts and contributes to sustainable development”.

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“In the area of Community engagement and empowerment, WACA is expected to play a significant role in actively engage with local stakeholders when deploying funds to develop these coastal regions. This inclusive approach allows communities to participate in decision-making processes, empowering them to take ownership of development initiatives and fostering long-term resilience”.

“Given these considerations, it is imperative for the federal government to Nigeria’s access to the WACA project which many other West African Countries have benefitted from since 2018. With the renewed hope agenda of this administration, prompt action is needed to restore hope to these impacted communities through the WACA project, particularly in those in the Niger Delta region”.

“This action will address their critical challenges, unlock potential for sustainable development, and enhance the overall resilience of Nigeria’s coastal zones”, it concluded.