Humanitarian Minister Hits Back At 2025 Budget: ‘It’s Just Not Enough!

Humanitarian Minister Hits Back At 2025 Budget: ‘It’s Just Not Enough!

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, has requested an increase in the funding allocated to his ministry in the 2025 budget.

Yilwatda made the appeal during the review of the 2024 budget and the defense of the 2025 budget with the National Assembly Joint Committee on Humanitarian Affairs.

The minister highlighted the Ministry’s ambitious goals, including the creation of 2 million jobs and the training of 50,000 unemployed graduates and non-graduates under the Skill2Wealth Initiative. He also noted that over 110,000 beneficiaries would receive starter packs to embark on self-reliant ventures.

Yilwatda emphasized the growing humanitarian needs caused by climate disasters, conflicts, and man-made crises, such as flooding, insurgency, and fire disasters. He also pointed out the decrease in global humanitarian support, as many donors focus on the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine.

The minister called for a reevaluation of the ₦4.6 billion capital budget ceiling, arguing that it would not suffice to address the expanding humanitarian challenges, reduce poverty, and tackle malnutrition.

He further stressed that additional budget lines for intervention funds are crucial to achieving the Ministry’s goals, including reducing multi-dimensional poverty by 50% over the next four years.

Yilwatda also voiced concern over the inadequate ₦8.8 billion capital budget for the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), urging an increase to help fulfill its mandate.

Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, and Abdulkadir Tijani Yobe, Chairman of the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, both expressed their commitment to reviewing the Ministry’s proposed budget adjustments.

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