Desperate Times: Nigeria Seeks UN Intervention For North-West Humanitarian Disaster

Desperate Times: Nigeria Seeks UN Intervention For North-West Humanitarian Disaster

The Federal Government of Nigeria has raised alarms over the escalating humanitarian crisis, particularly in the North-West region. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed…Desperate Times: Nigeria Seeks UN Intervention For North-West Humanitarian Disaster

that the situation in the North-West has become increasingly concerning for the government.

During a courtesy visit from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Yilwatda highlighted the profound challenges posed by the humanitarian crisis, which have diverted attention from other parts of the country.

“We are deeply worried about the humanitarian issues affecting Nigeria, especially in the North-West, which is emerging as a significant area of concern. While our humanitarian response plan currently focuses on Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, it’s crucial to recognize that other regions, like Katsina, have even higher numbers of displaced individuals than Borno and Yobe combined,” he stated.

Yilwatda pointed out distressing conditions in states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue, and Plateau, where urgent attention is also required. The minister noted the impact of flooding on communities along the banks of the River Niger and in Bayelsa State, underlining the need for immediate humanitarian intervention.

Government Initiatives Addressing the Crisis
The Minister provided updates on government measures aimed at managing the crisis. He mentioned initiatives to engage Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in agricultural activities to bolster food security and provide financial support.

“We aim to offer sustainable solutions to humanitarian challenges nationwide, particularly for IDPs. We’ve entered agreements with the Ministry of Agriculture and NALDA to provide land and fertilizers for IDPs,” he explained.

“This year, we will cultivate 10,000 hectares of land, supporting over 20,000 households. Our approach will ensure that 70% of the harvest goes to them as cash, while 30% will be provided as food,” he added.

The Role of UN Partnership
Professor Yilwatda emphasized that collaborating with the United Nations is vital for achieving lasting solutions to Nigeria’s humanitarian challenges. He revealed the ministry’s goal of creating two million jobs in the coming year.

“This partnership will enable us to provide sustainable solutions, reduce poverty, lower youth unemployment rates, and contribute to safer communities. We are committed to ensuring that all vulnerable groups are included in our efforts,” he asserted.

In response, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed acknowledged the complexities of Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis, particularly highlighting the influence of climate change. She commended the federal government for its proactive measures and assured continued support from the UN.

“Nigeria faces multiple humanitarian challenges, and climate issues have compounded these difficulties. The country requires significant investments for transition towards resilience against climate-induced crises, such as flooding and extreme heat. We are focused on holistic responses that integrate various sectors of the economy and prioritize prevention,” she noted.

Mohammed underscored that no nation can resolve humanitarian crises independently and emphasized the need for donor support to address the mounting issues.

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