The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard M. Doro, today officially assumed office at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Federal Secretariat, Abuja, following his appointment and inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He was received by the Honourable Minister of State, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Permanent Secretary, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Directors of the Ministry, Heads of Agencies under the Ministry, and Programme Managers of the National Social Investment Programme Agency. Dr Doro succeeds Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who has been appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his maiden address, Dr Doro expressed gratitude for the warm reception. He stated, “It feels like a family, I want to understudy the culture here and be part of it. The positive aspects of our culture will be maintained, and where we need to adjust, we will challenge ourselves to do better.” He emphasized teamwork, trust, and shared accountability as essential for effective public service delivery, stressing that a successful team involves “people who truly trust one another.”
Dr Doro acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, describing Professor Yilwatda as “a friend, a mentor, and indeed, a big shoe to fill.” He noted that he would rely on the institutional memory, technical expertise, and experience of the Ministry’s workforce to build on progress already made in humanitarian assistance, social protection, and poverty reduction programs that support vulnerable groups.
Highlighting ongoing economic hardship, he underscored the Ministry’s central role in the Renewed Hope Agenda. He said more than 60 percent of Nigerians face multi-dimensional poverty, and the Ministry is positioned to help citizens achieve upward social mobility. “It is our job, as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, to help people move up from where they are. We will do this by working together, collaborating, partnering, and ensuring accountability to one another. We want to make hope a reality for the Nigerians we serve.”
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of State, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, congratulated Dr Doro and described him as “a close friend and capable leader whose expertise will enrich the humanitarian and social protection landscape.” He also highlighted achievements including the National Social Register, Conditional Cash Transfers, the Skill to Wealth Initiative, and strengthened international partnerships.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, reaffirmed the Ministry’s loyalty and readiness to fully implement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda while supporting the new leadership in advancing social welfare and poverty reduction goals.
