Doro: Humanitarian Response Requires a Unified National Approach

As Nigeria's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, I am committed to transforming how we address the critical issues of poverty and humanitarian crises. Our mission, since my assumption of office in November 2025, has been to build a system that is not only structured and accountable but also deeply responsive to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. We are moving away from the fragmented interventions of the past towards a unified, technology-enhanced approach that prioritizes measurable outcomes and long-term stability.

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Our focus is on building a system that is structured, accountable, and responsive. This involves strengthening policy coordination, improving inter-agency collaboration, and deploying technology to enhance service delivery. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that interventions are not only timely but effective and measurable.

The recent National Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction was a landmark event, signifying a crucial shift towards coordinated action. Bringing together federal, state, and local government actors, alongside our development partners, was essential. Nigeria's challenges – poverty, displacement, climate vulnerability – are complex and interconnected. Addressing them effectively requires a common framework, shared responsibility, and collective execution. This council provides that vital platform for joint planning and alignment, ensuring that our efforts are synergistic rather than siloed.

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A unified social protection system is critical if we are to achieve meaningful results. In the past, fragmentation has reduced the impact of interventions. What we are doing now is aligning programmes, deepening collaboration with state and local governments, and creating clear pathways that allow beneficiaries to move from vulnerability to productivity. Poverty reduction must go beyond relief. It must be structured in a way that leads to economic inclusion and long-term stability.

Central to our strategy is the strengthening of the National Social Register. This is the bedrock upon which we are building a unified social protection system. Poverty reduction, in our view, must transcend mere relief; it must be a structured pathway toward economic inclusion and sustainable stability. By deepening collaboration with state and local governments and creating clear pathways for beneficiaries, we aim to empower Nigerians to move from vulnerability to productivity. This is not just about aid; it's about fostering self-sufficiency and national resilience.

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The Council represents a shift from isolated efforts to coordinated action. It brings together federal, state, and local actors, along with development partners, to align strategies and responses. Nigeria’s challenges are interconnected. Poverty, displacement, and vulnerability cannot be addressed in silos. The Council provides a platform for joint planning, shared responsibility, and collective execution. It is designed to ensure that everyone is working within a common framework.

From our perspective in Nigeria, the international community often highlights the scale of our challenges. However, what is uniquely important here is the emphasis on national ownership and a unified approach. While global partners are crucial, the ultimate success lies in our ability to coordinate our own resources and strategies effectively. The focus on moving people towards productivity, rather than just providing temporary assistance, reflects a deep understanding of the local context and a commitment to sustainable development that resonates powerfully within Nigeria.

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the ministry provides leadership and coordination. Since its establishment, it has been responsible for aligning humanitarian response, disaster management, and social protection efforts across the country. Through its agencies, the Ministry supports millions of Nigerians affected by conflict, economic hardship, and climate-related challenges, providing assistance that ranges from food and shelter to healthcare and livelihood support. Our role is to ensure that these efforts a