The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has solicited collaboration with the Nigerian military to tackle the humanitarian challenges facing the nation.
Edu, who made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to both preventing and mitigating humanitarian crises while effectively addressing ongoing issues.
The minister underscored the critical need to bolster security measures as a means to alleviate poverty.
“We also aim to expand our social register and database to include military personnel affected by war, whether through injury or loss of life, leaving their families in need.”
“We require military data to incorporate them into the social register, allowing them to benefit from poverty alleviation programs, ultimately improving the lives of millions of Nigerians. The President’s goal is to lift Nigerians out of humanitarian crises and poverty,” she said.
Responding, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa, acknowledged the link between poverty and crime, stating that the military believes that the ministry’s success would facilitate their own mission.
“We pledge our unwavering support to the Minister, ensuring all necessary logistics and resources are provided to achieve our shared objectives.
“We are pleased that this effort also considers the barracks community, which is crucial for maintaining high troop morale. Knowing that their families will be included in poverty alleviation programs during emergencies, we are committed to collaborating to achieve success,” Musa affirmed.
