Nigeria: Information Management Working Group (IMWG) - 2024 Retreat Report

Overview

The 2024 Northeast Nigeria Information Management Working Group (IMWG) Retreat was held under the overarching theme of "Innovation, Integration, and Localization (IIL)." This significant event aimed to address pressing issues and enhance humanitarian responses in the region through focused discussions and interactive sessions. The theme of IIL was chosen to underscore the necessity of adopting new technologies, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and tailoring interventions to local contexts.

The IMWG retreat held in Yola, Adamawa State successfully convened 31 participants from 5 UN Agencies , 4 International NGOs, and 14 National NGOs, each bringing a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the table and dedicated to improving the response mechanisms in Northeast Nigeria. The retreat provided a unique platform for these stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions.
One of the objectives of the retreat was to cross fertilize ideas with national NGOs. Thereby enahacing their awareness to play a more effective role in humanitarian response efforts.

Through a series of targeted sessions, participants were equipped with advanced tools and methodologies to better address the complex needs of the communities they serve.

Strengthening needs and response monitoring systems was another critical focus of the retreat.
Effective monitoring mechanisms are essential for ensuring that humanitarian interventions are both efficient and impactful. The sessions provided participants with the latest strategies and technologies for tracking and evaluating response activities. This emphasis on robust monitoring practices is vital for accountability and continuous improvement in humanitarian operations.

Overall, the 2024 IMWG Retreat was a resounding success, fostering innovative approaches to humanitarian response in Northeast Nigeria. The alignment with IIL principles was evident in every session, from effective coordination, needs assessment and needs monitoring to response monitoring and data-driven storytelling. By the end of the retreat, participants had gained valuable insights and practical skills that will significantly enhance their capacity to respond to humanitarian crises in a more innovative, integrated, and localized manner.