The United Nations Children’s Fund, on Tuesday, assured the Federal Government of its commitment to support humanitarian response and poverty alleviation in Nigeria with $270m.
UNICEF made the commitment in Abuja, during a visit to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, a statement issued by the ministry’s Deputy Director, Information, Rhoda Iliya, stated.
The team from UNICEF was led by the agency’s Country Representative, Christian Mundate, who was accompanied by the Chief of Health and HIV/AIDS, Eduardo Celades.
According to the statement, “The UNICEF chief also assured the minister of technical support to build the capacity of the ministry’s staff as well as support the development of a humanitarian response protocol for Nigeria to guide all humanitarian actors, as this will facilitate effective coordination.
“In addition, they will support the establishment of a National Humanitarian Situation Room or Humanitarian Emergency Operation Centre to monitor, mitigate and prevent humanitarian emergencies and build resilience in the system,” the ministry stated.
Responding, Edu informed the delegation that the Federal Government was committed to lifting 133 million poor Nigerians out of poverty in a phased approach, especially the 71 million extremely poor Nigerians who live under $1.90 per day.
The minister charged UNICEF to also draw up plans towards supporting the FG in poverty alleviation.
“Time is of the essence and we need to run at the speed of light to roll out social programmes that will bring relief to the burdens of the poor. Nigerians are eagerly waiting for full implementation of the renewed hope agenda, the time for intense action is now,” she stated.
She assured her guests of her commitment to transparency and accountability in all the processes of the ministry.
The minister stated that engagements with partners such as UNICEF would continue until the Federal Government achieves its target.
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