ECOWAS launches regional workshop to boost human security and environmental resilience

The ECOWAS Commission has opened a four-day regional workshop in Abuja, Nigeria from the 25^th to 28^th of November,2025  on the theme “Strengthening Security Analysis and Environmental Resilience.” The training aims to build the capacity of analysts from National Centres for the Coordination of Response Mechanisms (NCCRMs) in early warning, security analysis and environmental monitoring.

Organised by the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate, the Workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to improve analytical skills, promote knowledge sharing, and strengthen coordination across the region’s early warning systems in response to rapidly evolving security and environmental risks.

Participants include representatives from ECOWAS institutions and specialised agencies, Office of the Special Envoy of Ghana to the Alliance of Sahelian State as well as key partners such as UNOWAS, WFP, WANEP, WATHI, ISS, ACLED, ARAA, KAIPTC, ECOWAS Water Resources Coordination Centre (WRCC), RCSDC, ACRST, CHEDES, AGRHYMET, and the Nigerian National Defence College (NDC).

Delivering opening remarks on behalf of the ECOWAS Vice-President, H.E. Damtien TCHINTCHIBIDJA, Acting Director of the Early Warning Directorate, Dr. Onyinye ONWUKA, stressed the urgency of bolstering national and regional capacities amid rising security and environmental threats. She noted that the region faces a convergence of pressures that increasingly undermine economic integration, political stability, and human security.

She emphasized that “Member States National Centres must be fully equipped to translate early warning insights into timely and coordinated responses. This workshop is another important step toward that goal.” Dr. Onwuka also highlighted the importance of reinforcing partnerships among national mechanisms, policymakers, and international partners.

In their Goodwill Message, UNOWAS and WATHI representatives, including Dr. James Aji and Dr. Gilles Yabi, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ECOWAS in strengthening peace, security, and early warning systems across the region.

Facilitators underscored the need to raise analytical standards, improve data quality, and deepen cross-border cooperation.