In response to the natural disaster claiming more than 155,000 people, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo inaugurated a committee to raise funds in support of the survivors.

"It is with a deep sense of compassion and solidarity with the nations and peoples of Southeast Asia that I inaugurate a NationalCommittee to raise resources for the victims of the Tsunami disaster," he told the 13-member committee.

"Without doubt, this is one of the most devastating and heart-rendering disaster that have affected a part of the world in recent human history," he added.

Obasanjo said the Nigerian government had already responded to "this most heart-breaking disaster by contributing one million US dollars to the UN relief fund for tsunami victims."

He added that the government would also make additional contribution to the African Union relief fund for the same purpose,but that it was desirous to involve Nigerians in the humanitarian effort.

The committee is co-chaired by Sultan of Sokoto State MuhammaduMaccido and Peter Akinola, primate of the Anglican Church in Nigeria.

The committee, which is required to submit a weekly report of its activities to the government, is saddled with the responsibility of raising resources in cash to support the affected people.

According to the Sultan of Sokoto, the members will do their best to achieve maximum success in the assignment.