The Nigerian government has expressed its determination to redouble efforts to humanitarian response across the country.
This comes as Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate World Humanitarian Day.
At a road walk in Abuja to mark the day, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development said; “Nigeria and other humanitarian communities are committed to providing meaningful responses in the face of challenges.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, who led the road walk, acknowledged that countless individuals were grappling with humanitarian crises across Nigeria, ranging from insurgency and banditry to clashes between farmers and herders as well as the impacts of climate change.
Despite the challenges, Sani-Gwarzo said humanitarian assistance would be made available to the people in need.
He said; “the essence of this year’s celebration, which has the theme, #NoMatterWhat, encapsulates the profound essence of humanitarian action and to acknowledge the contributions and safety of aid workers.”
“The core principle that drives humanitarians is their steadfast commitment to extending life-saving assistance, irrespective of an individual’s identity or geographical location,” he said.
Sani-Gwarzo believes that humanitarian workers stand as beacons of hope, traversing perilous paths to ensure aid reaches its intended recipients, regardless of the challenges they encounter.
He said; “In recognising that crises recognise no boundaries, humanitarians too, acknowledge no barriers in their mission to assist those in dire need—NO MATTER WHAT.”
Sani-Gwarzo expressed concern on how frontline humanitarian workers who are integral to the well-being of Nigeria are being kidnapped.
He said; “The current year has already witnessed the kidnapping of five aid workers in the North East, alongside similar incidents from various corners of our nation.”
Also, the United Nations Resident Coordinator on Humanitarian in Nigeria, Mr. Mathias Schmale expressed the commitment of the UN in supporting humanitarian activities in Nigeria.
He said; “The UN and its partners aim to assist six million people in the North-east through the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan.”
Mr Schmale noted that more funding is required as “the planning appeal for USD$1.3 billion but is currently only 29 percent funded.”
The UN Coordinator who saluted the commitment of aid workers said, “no matter what, the humanitarian community will continue to work together in support of government and other key actors to save , protect and improve lives.”
The road walk marking the World Humanitarian Day had other NGOs in attendance.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
