Islamic Relief’s swift response to the devastating floods in Nigeria in November 2022 exemplifies the power of our 24/7 Emergency Fund and our commitment to supporting local actors. This dedicated fund allows us to provide immediate financial assistance to our partners on the ground, enabling them to kickstart critical relief efforts without delay.
In November 2022, Nigeria experienced its worst flooding in at least a decade, with 2 million people forced from their homes.
Hundreds died and more than 2,500 were injured in the disaster, which severely impacted 29 of the country’s 36 states.
Homes, farmland and infrastructure were destroyed, complicating relief efforts and robbing families of their livelihoods.
Despite not having a presence in Nigeria, Islamic Relief was committed to supporting people whose lives were upended by the flooding. We leveraged our 24/7 Emergency Fund to work with a local partner to provide relief and assistance to those in need in 2 of the worst-hit states.
Today, we look back at this successful example of work made possible by Islamic Relief’s Strengthening Response Capacity and Institutional Development for Excellence (STRIDE) project in conjunction with our 24/7 Emergency Fund. The multi-year, multi-country project is designed to protect the lives and dignity of at-risk communities through institutional development and partnerships.
A lifeline to flood-affected communities in Nigeria
Islamic Relief joined forces with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) as flooding spread across Nigeria. Funding from our 24/7 Emergency Fund made its way to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Shiroro in Niger State and Ogbaru, Akili Ogidi and Obeagwe in Anambra State, in the form of multi-purpose cash vouchers given to vulnerable communities.
NRCS deployed volunteers and staff to register affected people, conducting house-to-house visits in the communities most heavily impacted by the flooding. This process ensured essential information about the needs of affected individuals and families could be captured, enabling a better coordination of relief efforts.
Islamic Relief quickly delivered funds to boost these efforts, ensuring a speedy response that supported more than 500 people with much-needed aid. Among those we reached through NRCS were members of vulnerable groups including migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
“Partnering with Islamic Relief not only strengthened NRCS’ staff capacity, it also strengthened our systems, enhancing confidence and trust from other donors who are now supporting us to reach our to more vulnerable people in Nigeria… Thanks to Islamic Relief, we look forward to working together and touching the lives of Nigeria’s vulnerable,” Sani Muhammed Ibrahim, NRCS Coordinator Planning Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Islamic Relief Focal Point says.
Localisation in action
This response is a strong example of Islamic Relief coordinating with local actors to deliver the most appropriate response. Throughout the process, we sought NRCS’ guidance on the best way to support their efforts to reach people in need with life-saving aid.
Localisation is important for Islamic Relief, as local partners bring knowledge, invaluable expertise, networks, and cultural insights. This community-focused approach ensures quicker, more efficient humanitarian aid and development delivery.
Long before the floods hit, Islamic Relief was already investing in empowering and strengthening local organisations in Nigeria to take a leading role in humanitarian response and disaster management efforts.
Realising that Nigeria is a country at high-risk from disasters, due to frequent flooding and insecurity, Islamic Relief began partnering with local organisations in 2021 including the NRCS. Under the STRIDE project, we provided technical and in-kind support that enhanced their ability to respond effectively to large-scale conflicts and promote sustainable development practices.
These efforts meant that partnerships were already in place and local humanitarians already better equipped to cope when disaster struck. By working with and through local actors, we were able to address the needs of communities affected by the flooding in Nigeria quickly and effectively.
Islamic Relief is committed to working with local humanitarian actors to support people affected by disaster. Please help us continue this vital work. Donate now.
