AU appoints humanitarian minister Doro to AfHA governing board

The African Union has appointed Nigeria's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, to represent West Africa on the Governing Board of the African Humanitarian Agency (AfHA). This appointment, effective for a three-year non-renewable term, signifies a commitment to enhancing the continent's capacity to address humanitarian crises.

Doro's nomination was endorsed by the West African regional caucus, coordinated by Senegal, and formally communicated by the African Union Commission. He will serve alongside Côte d'Ivoire’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Léon Kacou Adom, who was also nominated for the region. The AfHA was established by the African Union to foster coordinated, Africa-led solutions for preventing, preparing for, and responding to humanitarian challenges.

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This appointment is a recognition of Nigeria’s commitment to advancing innovative and coordinated humanitarian solutions. It provides an opportunity for us to contribute to shaping Africa’s humanitarian future through stronger partnerships, knowledge sharing, and systems that deliver lasting impact for vulnerable populations across our continent.

The governing board's role is crucial, as it will provide strategic direction for the agency's development, regional coordination, policy implementation, and humanitarian response efforts, including the establishment of Regional Humanitarian Centres. This appointment comes at a time of heightened concern over humanitarian issues across Africa, such as displacement, poverty, food insecurity, and climate-related emergencies.

Minister Doro described the appointment as both a national honor and a significant responsibility. He stated, "This appointment is a recognition of Nigeria’s commitment to advancing innovative and coordinated humanitarian solutions. It provides an opportunity for us to contribute to shaping Africa’s humanitarian future through stronger partnerships, knowledge sharing, and systems that deliver lasting impact for vulnerable populations across our continent." He emphasized Nigeria's dedication to promoting African-led solutions that build resilience, restore dignity, and create sustainable pathways out of poverty, while also sharing Nigeria's extensive experience in humanitarian reform and poverty reduction strategies.

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We remain committed to promoting African-led solutions that strengthen resilience, restore dignity, and create sustainable pathways out of poverty while sharing Nigeria’s experience in humanitarian reform.