The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United Nations as Nigeria intensifies efforts to reduce poverty, improve humanitarian response systems and support vulnerable communities across the country. This assurance was given by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, during a courtesy visit by a United Nations delegation led by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Malick Fall, at the Minister’s Conference Room in Abuja.
Dr. Doro thanked the UN team for what he described as consistent solidarity, noting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced important economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy while protecting vulnerable citizens. He explained that these reforms are designed to create long-term national stability, even though some may come with short-term challenges that affect households, businesses and community systems.
According to the Minister, the goal of the government is not only to reduce poverty but to build stronger structures that support job creation, financial inclusion, skills development and economic empowerment. He said the statistics around poverty may appear challenging, but Nigeria can achieve real progress through strong partnerships that support long-term development. He added that poverty might not disappear completely, but it can be significantly reduced if Nigerians are empowered through programs that build self-reliance.
Dr. Doro disclosed that the Ministry is developing a flagship poverty reduction programme that focuses on skills acquisition, structured mentoring and provision of start-up capital, supported by continuous monitoring to ensure sustainable results. He stressed that humanitarian challenges caused by conflict, natural disasters and climate shocks require shared responsibility and closer collaboration with the UN system. He said Nigeria must shift from quick, short-term reactions to long-term strategies capable of preventing crises before they escalate.
He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on poverty reduction, crisis response, protection of vulnerable groups and restoration of dignity for affected Nigerians across different regions. In his remarks, Mr. Mohammed Malick Fall congratulated the Minister for his appointment, describing it as a critical period when humanitarian needs in Nigeria have grown beyond the North-East into several other regions affected by conflict, insecurity and climate-related emergencies.
Mr. Fall said more than 3.5 million Nigerians are currently displaced due to conflict and climate shocks, with millions more experiencing urgent humanitarian needs. He pointed out that even as needs rise, global humanitarian funding has declined, making it necessary for Nigeria to strengthen national leadership in its humanitarian and development response.
He said Nigeria is a country the continent looks up to, and at a time when global crises compete for attention and resources, the country must take stronger ownership of its humanitarian strategy. He added that the UN has more than 20 agencies ready to work closely with the government.
The UN Coordinator emphasized the importance of promoting leadership by Nigerian institutions, local groups and government agencies to build a more sustainable and efficient approach to humanitarian operations. He also recalled ongoing discussions on establishing a National Council for Humanitarian Affairs to improve coordination and strengthen Nigeria’s response capacity.
The UN pledged continued support to the Ministry as the country works to improve systems, empower communities and reduce pressures linked to poverty, conflict and climate change. Both parties agreed on the need to combine humanitarian action with long-term development strategies to achieve sustainable progress.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Directors of the Ministry and UN delegates.
