The ECOWAS Commission has convened the second meeting of the Migration Dialogue for West Africa (MIDWA) Thematic Working Group on Climate Change, Land Degradation, Desertification, Environment and Migration in Abuja.
In a statement published on the ECOWAS Commission website, the Commission said the meeting brought together Member State representatives, ECOWAS Institutions, Development Partners and youth to advance practical regional cooperation on human mobility in the context of climate change and environmental degradation.
The meeting builds on the reactivation of the Working Group in 2025 and subsequent regional efforts to integrate human mobility into climate and migration policy.
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According to the statement, participants are working to translate the Group’s mandate into a 2027-2028 work plan, identify priorities for supporting Member States as they implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), develop or revise National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and explore the feasibility of a regional Green Climate Fund project or readiness proposal.
The discussions come amid growing climate pressures. Floods, drought, desertification, land degradation and other environmental hazards across West Africa are affecting livelihoods, food security and patterns of movement.
Data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre shows approximately 12.7 million internal disaster displacement movements recorded in West Africa between 2009 and 2023.
The World Bank’s Groundswell Africa analysis estimates that without adequate climate and development action, the region could see up to 32 million internal climate migrants by 2050.
“These projections underscore the need for resilience and preparedness, while the choices made on adaptation, livelihoods and risk reduction can influence future outcomes,” the statement said.
Declaring the meeting open, Nigeria’s Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, represented by Comptroller Abdul-Majeed Yabagi, said climate-driven mobility is already affecting border flows and settlement patterns across West Africa.
She called for “stronger evidence, coordinated migration and adaptation planning, and greater input from affected communities.”
In a goodwill message on behalf of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Madam Ajara Jallow emphasized that deliberations should show how evidence on climate mobility can inform policy, guide investment, strengthen national climate plans and support climate-finance proposals that address human mobility.
In his opening address on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, represented by the Director of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, Mr Albert Siaw-Boateng, underscored the urgent need for regional cooperation to address climate-related mobility.
He called for “evidence-based policies, stronger partnerships and investment in resilience, highlighting the contribution of safe mobility and youth participation to a sustainable future for West Africa.”
The Chairperson, Commissioner of Divisional Police of the Republic of Senegal, Mr Camara Waly, in his opening statement, encouraged delegates to be mindful of the growing impact of climate change on communities and livelihoods.
He emphasized the value of regional cooperation and evidence-based dialogue to strengthen resilience and turn shared commitments into practical action.
According to the Commission, the Working Group’s discussions helped identify priority activities, responsible institutions, timelines and resource needs for the 2027-2028 work plan, alongside next steps on regional support and climate-finance proposal development.
The meeting was organized by the Directorate of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism.
