Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated the firm resolve of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to address humanitarian situations across Nigeria.
This he said, entails that the administration will continue to engage more with critical stakeholders, including development partners, in tackling grey areas in humanitarian responses across the country.
VP Kashim Shettima stated this on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nigeria, led by Ms Doris El Doueihy, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said Nigeria, under the leadership of President Tinubu, will continue to nurture existing relationships with key stakeholders like the ICRC.
The VP noted that “it is only when we continue engaging with organisations like the Red Cross that we can address some of the grey areas in our humanitarian responses across the country.”
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The Vice President commended the ICRC for its professionalism and commitment to the ideals of a peaceful and just society, especially in areas plagued by armed conflict and related vices.
He welcomed the proposal of the ICRC to establish a national mechanism for humanitarian response, particularly, in managing the plight of victims of armed conflict.
VP Shettima noted that “the Nigerian government is willing to collaborate with the ICRC to establish and operationalise the framework for Nigeria.”
While thanking the delegation for the visit, he assured them that Nigeria’s security forces, which he described as among the most professional in the world, will continue to operate in line with international guidelines and standards.
Kampala Convention
Ms El Doueihy commended Nigeria for domesticating the Kampala Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, describing the country as ‘a leader and model for emulation across Africa and beyond.’
She said the visit to the presidency was in acknowledgement and affirmation of the organisation’s healthy diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which has blossomed over the years of its operations in parts of the country.
Ms El Doueihy said; “ICRC was proud to associate with Nigeria as a leader in the continent and a partner with the country in advancing the cause of humanitarian support across conflict zones in the areas of health, water, and training of security personnel, among others.”
