The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Nigeria, with a staggering 8.3 million people in need of assistance in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. This figure is part of a larger crisis affecting 16 million Nigerians across various regions, with the three mentioned states bearing the brunt of the crisis.
In a statement by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Rasheed Zubair, Minister Edu expressed deep concern about the extent of the humanitarian challenges in these states. She pointed out that the United Nations has designated Benue in the North/Central region as the “capital of humanitarian crises” in Nigeria, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Minister Edu emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “We have a huge task on our hands, as we speak now, over 16 million Nigerians are affected by humanitarian crises either man-made or natural disaster with over 8.3 million of them based in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.” She further noted that similar crises exist in several other states, particularly in the North Central region.
The minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing poverty and its impact on vulnerable populations. She mentioned that the government, under President Tinubu’s leadership, is developing a comprehensive program to alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of Nigerians. This initiative aims to lift over 136 million Nigerians out of poverty.
Minister Edu stressed the importance of transparency in the delivery of social safety net programs, including Conditional Cash Transfer. The ministry plans to conduct a thorough verification of the social register and collaborate with the World Bank to ensure a transparent and efficient implementation process.
She concluded by assuring Nigerians that the government is working diligently to create an accurate and inclusive social register that will better target those in need and provide the necessary assistance. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of social safety net programs reach the intended beneficiaries and help alleviate poverty in the country.