The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with the United Nations to implement sustainable solutions aimed at lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda, made this commitment known on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing following a meeting with the Deputy UN Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.
Yilwatda highlighted the UN’s longstanding support for the ministry, particularly in facilitating the government’s social intervention programs. He emphasized that the partnership is vital for advancing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on tackling youth unemployment, alleviating poverty, and assisting victims of conflict and climate change.
“We aim to partner with the UN to ensure that individuals affected by insurgency and climate change receive the necessary support,” Yilwatda stated. He stressed the importance of human-centric reforms to address the economic challenges confronting the populace.
He assured that this collaboration will lead to sustainable solutions for those in need, with a goal of lifting many from poverty, reducing youth unemployment, and enhancing community safety.
The minister announced that the ministry plans to unveil its 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan soon, designed to outline the government’s strategies for alleviating poverty nationwide. “The Humanitarian Response Plan will include comprehensive assessments of humanitarian challenges across the country, and we will work alongside the UN to secure global funding using this plan,” he said.
Additionally, Yilwatda revealed that the Durable Solution Plan is set to launch in the first quarter of the year, which is supported by significant funding provisions in the proposed 2025 Budget aimed at establishing safety nets for the most vulnerable populations.
The ministry is targeting the creation of at least two million jobs by the end of 2025.
In response, the UN Deputy Secretary-General affirmed the organization’s readiness to assist the Nigerian government in tackling multidimensional poverty. Mohammed acknowledged the ministry’s critical role in enhancing safety and lifting communities above the poverty line.
She pointed out the pressing humanitarian crises driven by climate change and conflict, which necessitate concerted efforts to accommodate displaced populations and mitigate social tensions. Mohammed underscored the urgent need for increased investment in social interventions to effectively address the growing humanitarian demands in Nigeria.
Significant investment is crucial for bolstering resilience and initiating effective transitions within communities, she concluded.
