By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has assured the Nigerian Government of it’s readiness to support the country’s humanitarian and emergency response with the sum of $270 million.
UNICEF Country Representative, Christian Mundate made this pledge today in Abuja when she led the UNICEF Chief of Health & HIV, Eduardo Celades to visit the new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu in her office.
Also, Eduardo Celades promised that UNICEF is committed to bring in technical support to build capacity of the Ministry’s staff as well as support the development of a Humanitarian Response Protocol for Nigeria to guide all Humanitarian Actors as this will facilitate effective coordination.
Furthermore, UNICEF promised to support the establishment of a National Humanitarian Situation Room or Humanitarian Emergency Operation Center (H-EOC) to monitor, mitigate and prevent Humanitarian Emergencies system.
The Minister, Dr. Betta Edu, informed the UNICEF that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is committed to lifting 133 Million poor Nigerians out of poverty in a phased approach; especially, the 71 Million extremely poor Nigerians who leave under one dollar ninety-five cents a day.
Edu urged UNICEF to equally support the FG on poverty alleviation.
”Time is of essence, and we need to run at the speed of light to roll out social programs that will bring relieve to the burdens of the poor. Nigerians are eagerly waiting for full implementation of the renewed hope agenda, the time for intense action is now, Edu emphasized.
The Minister gave the assurance of commitment to transparency and accountability in all the processes of the Ministry, as she pointed out that told them that the engagement with partners like UNICEF will continue until the Government achieves its target.
