Laraba MUREY
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, and Nigerai’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, have reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the country’s pressing humanitarian challenges.
This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, on Friday in Abuja, which focused on enhancing collaboration, as the ministry prioritizes solutions for vulnerable populations amid climate crises, conflicts, and economic reforms.
Mohammed stated the importance of partnerships to scale solutions and ensure quality service delivery.
She said, “Well, first, it’s the beginning of the year, and so, you know, Happy New Year to everyone.
“But what is really important is that we consider both the opportunities and the challenges for the year, beginning here at home in Nigeria. On the humanitarian front, I think it’s crucial to recognize that while we are wishing people a good new year, many are still suffering. This ministry is critical to addressing that suffering.”
Mohammed noted that the challenges Nigeria faces include crises caused by climate change, conflict, and internal displacement.
She described the Ministry as a focal point for providing preventive measures and solutions to assist people on the move, as well as vulnerable groups such as women and young people.
“The hope is to provide a livelihood after the crisis. How do they recover and rejoin their communities with dignity? These are priorities not just for Nigeria but globally,” she explained.
On the issue of climate change, the UN Deputy Secretary-General highlighted the growing intensity of climate-related challenges, such as flooding and heatwaves, which require urgent investment and adaptation measures.
“Nigeria needs significant investments to facilitate transitions that will make it more resilient’, she said.
“Partnering with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs involves looking ahead, conducting foresight analysis, preventing further crises, and incorporating other sectors of the economy to ensure holistic solutions,” she added.
She further commended Nigeria’s ownership of its initiatives and programs while leveraging partnerships for scalability.
“What is impressive in Nigeria right now is how the country takes ownership of its initiatives and programs, funding them while seeking partnerships to ensure scalability. It is challenging to reach everyone, but these partnerships help expand reach and maintain the quality of delivery that Nigerians deserve,” she stated.
The Deputy Secretary-General underscored the complexity of addressing these challenges, particularly in host communities that bear significant burdens.
“Poverty is widespread, and while host communities are often generous, they also need support to avoid social tensions,” Mohammed noted.
She called for greater investment in agricultural value chains and scalable economic programs to create sustainable solutions.
Also speaking, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the partnership as a continuation of the long-standing relationship between the Nigerian government and the UN.
He outlined immediate plans, including the rollout of the Humanitarian Response Plan on January 23.
The plan will assess the country’s humanitarian needs and provide a framework for raising funds globally.
Additionally, the Durable Solution Plan, aimed at providing sustainable support to internally displaced persons and vulnerable populations, is expected to commence by the first quarter of the year.
“On January 24, we will partner with the UN to deliver funding for durable solutions in Benue State,” the minister announced.
Dr. Yilwatda reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing poverty and unemployment.
“The ministry aims to creyear2 million jobs this year, with special attention to women and vulnerable groups. Our goal is to move as many people as possible out of poverty and provide means of livelihood for those in host communities,” he stated.
Both leaders agreed on the need for a foresight-driven, holistic approach involving multiple sectors of the economy to prevent future crises.
The partnership between the UN and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs aims to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against crises, improve livelihoods, and ensure no one is left behind.
