Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, says the legislative arm of Government remains committed to policies and initiatives that will protect the vulnerable, empower the displaced and restore dignity to every citizen.
Dr Tajudeen Abbas said this at the Malaysian Garden IDPs Camp in Abuja, where he celebrated his 60th birthday with the displaced population, which also coincides with Nigeria’s 65th independence.
He said the event was not just about marking his 60th birthday but about extending a hand of compassion, solidarity, and hope to fellow Nigerians who, through no fault of theirs, have found themselves displaced.
“This event is a testament to the fact that leadership is not only about legislation and policies, but also about love, empathy, and service to humanity. We are here to reaffirm that no Nigerian should ever feel forgotten or abandoned.
Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Charmbalin Dunkwu, he assured the vulnerable population that its welfare remains a top priority for the government, emphasising that it will continue to support measures that provide education, healthcare, food security, and opportunities for a better future.
The speaker further commended the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to make the programme a reality.
“Your efforts ensure that beyond the symbolic cake-cutting and relief distribution, there is a lasting impact on the lives of those we are privileged to serve. To my brothers and sisters in this camp, your resilience inspires us all”.
He donated over one hundred bags of rice to the IDPs and also held a medical outreach for the entire IDP camp and the host community in collaboration with Nizamiye hospital.
The Minister, State, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said the involvement of the Legislature under the current leadership strengthens collaboration between the Arms of Government in responding to the needs of the most vulnerable.
Dr Sununu, who was represented by the Director of Humanitarian Affairs in the Ministry, Jummai-Fatima Katagun, also noted that the choice of the Speaker to celebrate his birthday with the IDPs is a noble initiative which aligns with its mandate of coordinating response to humanitarian crisis, advancing social protection and reducing poverty.
“Over the years, the Ministry has worked with partners nationally and internationally to support displaced persons and vulnerable households with food, shelter, healthcare and livelihoods.”
He, however, noted that the ministry recognises that no government can address humanitarian challenges alone.
“The occasion, therefore, serves as a call to everyone to commit to building a more inclusive and compassionate Nigeria, where no one is left behind.”
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) said the gesture is in line with its ongoing transition efforts to provide sustainable solutions for the IDPs.
The Federal Commissioner, Tijjani Ahmed, who was represented by the Director, Human Resources in the Commission, Mohamed Bello, noted that an estimated 6.7 million individuals remain displaced across Nigeria.
“Without timely and deliberate action, we risk deepening their vulnerability, exposing them to exploitation, trafficking, and, in some cases, criminality born out of desperation. The growing number of returnee migrants, many of whom embarked on perilous, irregular journeys in search of better opportunities, further highlights the gravity of the situation.”
The Commissioner also urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives to use his office to facilitate greater support for the displaced persons towards enhancing their budgetary allocation in the coming years and promote the establishment of a Humanitarian Relief, Recovery and Reintegration fund.
“So as to widen our reach, strengthen our interventions and create lasting solutions for millions of our fellow Nigerians who look to us with hope”.
Responding to the kind gesture, the Chairman of Malaysia IDPs Camp, Mr Chakule Lawal, commended the Speaker for thinking it wise to celebrate his birthday with the vulnerable group.
The Chairman, however, appealed to the legislature to improve their standard of living by providing a healthy source of water, an equipped healthcare facility and enhancing the learning environment for the children.
The wife of the Speaker donated the sum of 2 million Naira, while the Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security donated 1 million, followed by 500,000 Naira from the representative of the Speaker at the event and another 500,000 from another member, making a sum of four million Naira.