By Angela Atabo

The Community for Adamawa Civil Organisations (CACO) has introduced the Localisation Barometer Project to boost community leadership in humanitarian responses.

Peter Egwudah, Chairman of CACO, at a two-day inaugural workshop of Nigeria Localisation Barometer Project, in Abuja on Thursday, explained that the initiative aimed to assess the level of localisation agenda implementation in Nigeria.

Egwudah said it also aimed to ensure alignment with the Grand Bargain document agreed upon at the 2016 World Humanitarian Forum in Istanbul.

According to him, it will enable national Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and community organisations to lead response efforts in their regions.

“The initiative will improve humanitarian responses through localised strategies tailored to community needs.

“It will foster ownership by government, citizens, and various actors operating in Nigeria.”

Egwudah emphasised that the project, supported by the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), had been implemented in eight countries across West and Central Africa.

“CACO is leading the initiative in Nigeria, bringing together NGO forums, international organisations, and government partners.”

On stakeholder perspectives, Ms Esty Sutyoko, OCHA Nigeria, said local ownership and leadership of national NGOs and civil society organisations were crucial for effective humanitarian responses.

On his part, Mr Joseph Benita, ICVA, said the localisation barometer must be adapted to Nigeria’s context to ensure effective data collection and humanitarian response.

Ms Asmau Donli, Special Adviser, CSO/NGO Coordination and partner relations, said the state government was coordinating NGO efforts for humanitarian response, focusing on durable solutions and collaboration. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru