By Israel Adamu, Jos
Nigeria has deepened coordination with international partners to strengthen its humanitarian and social protection systems, following high-level engagements in Abuja on Tuesday. The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, hosted delegations from the World Bank, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the Social Protection Development Partners Group (SP-DPG).The meetings highlighted growing global confidence in the direction set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.The World Bank delegation, led by West Africa Practice Manager Mr. Robert Chase, commended Nigeria’s efforts to establish a transparent, data-driven social protection system. Dr. Doro emphasized that the National Social Register, now covering nearly 20 million households, is being upgraded as a nationwide platform for identifying and delivering support to vulnerable Nigerians.“
The reforms initiated by President Tinubu have strengthened the fiscal capacity of state governments, allowing them to play a more effective role in humanitarian and poverty-reduction programs,” Dr. Doro said. The World Bank welcomed the Ministry’s forthcoming Strategic Partnership Framework, describing it as a major step toward harmonizing federal, state, partner, and civil society efforts.In a subsequent session, the ICRC delegation, led by Doris El Doueihy, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting conflict-affected communities in the North-East. The ICRC briefed Dr. Doro on ongoing operations in health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and protection services for vulnerable groups. The delegation also commended Nigeria’s progress in domesticating the Kampala Convention and the Ministry’s leadership in addressing the longstanding challenge of over 24,000 missing persons.Dr. Doro assured the ICRC of Nigeria’s commitment to proactive, accountable, and people-centered humanitarian governance under President Tinubu’s guidance.
The day concluded with the Social Protection Development Partners Group, which includes the EU, UNICEF, Germany, WFP, UNDP, the US Government, Action Against Hunger, and ILO. Partners shared updates on interventions covering cash transfers, food security, livelihoods, data systems, and social safety nets across multiple states. They expressed alignment with Nigeria’s efforts for improved coordination, sustainable financing, and unified monitoring of social protection programs.
Dr. Doro reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a seamless national humanitarian and social protection architecture driven by data, collaboration, and accountability. He highlighted President Tinubu’s focus on green-economy initiatives such as clean cooking, carbon credits, and tree planting as pathways for poverty reduction and private-sector participation. Plans were also announced for a national Social Protection, Poverty Reduction, Humanitarian, and Peacebuilding Summit early next year.Delegations left with a clear message: Nigeria is resetting its humanitarian and social protection systems with renewed clarity, purpose, and global support. Partners expressed confidence that the country is moving steadily toward a more secure, resilient, and inclusive future for its most vulnerable citizens.
