The federal government is set to introduce a unified “One Response System” to better tackle poverty and humanitarian problems in Nigeria through coordinated and data-driven efforts, with the National Social Register—capturing about 19.7 million vulnerable households—serving as a key tool for targeting and measurable impact.
This direction was outlined by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. M. Doro, during a high-level meeting with delegations from the Howard University Global Initiative Nigeria and the Excellence Community Education and Welfare Scheme in Abuja.
According to the Minister, the new “One Response System” is designed to bring together different humanitarian interventions under a single coordinated framework. He explained that the aim is to move away from scattered efforts towards a more organised system that delivers both immediate support and long-term economic outcomes.
He stated that “future collaborations must align strictly with national priorities and be guided by credible data to ensure efficiency, transparency, and measurable impact.”
Dr. Doro further noted that the Ministry is shifting its focus from short-term aid distribution to structured pathways that help beneficiaries move out of poverty permanently. He described this as a transition from simple assistance to “poverty graduation pathways that deliver long-term economic empowerment.”
A major pillar of this new approach is the strengthening of the National Social Register. The Minister highlighted that the register, which already contains about 19.7 million vulnerable households, will now play a more central role in planning and execution.
He explained that the database will help government and partners identify those most in need, avoid duplication of interventions, and improve coordination across programmes. This, he said, is critical to ensuring that resources are used effectively and reach the right people.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, also emphasised the importance of partnerships in achieving the goals of the new system. He welcomed the visiting organisations and reiterated that collaboration with credible institutions is necessary for sustainable results.
In his words, such partnerships are “critical to achieving sustainable outcomes in humanitarian response, social protection, and poverty eradication.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of the visiting organisations, particularly in healthcare delivery, capacity building, and community-based programmes, expressing confidence that the engagement would lead to practical results.
Speaking for the Howard University Global Initiative Nigeria, Dr. Dorothy Oqua highlighted the organisation’s long-standing presence in Nigeria, spanning over two decades. She pointed to its work in strengthening pharmacy systems, improving healthcare services, and building capacity across sectors.
Dr. Oqua expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with the Ministry, especially in areas such as research, data systems, and community health delivery. She also stressed the need to focus on underserved and conflict-affected regions.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Excellence Community Education and Welfare Scheme, Dr. Andy Eyo, underscored the value of structured partnerships in delivering accountable programmes.
He noted that his organisation has managed large-scale donor-funded projects and expressed confidence that working with the Ministry would further demonstrate Nigeria’s ability to deliver impactful programmes.
Dr. Eyo also extended an invitation to the Minister to serve as keynote speaker at the organisation’s upcoming 25th anniversary scheduled for June 19, which is expected to bring together key stakeholders and development partners.
