Humanitarian Affairs Minister Seeks Collaboration with Interior Ministry to Tackle Humanitarian Crises

 

Inter-Ministerial Committee to Be Established for Actionable Results

Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has announced her intent to forge a partnership between her ministry and the Ministry of Interior to address pressing issues related to internal security, human trafficking, and migration. Dr. Edu emphasized that such collaboration is crucial in addressing the root causes of humanitarian crises and poverty in Nigeria.

In her determination to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians affected by poverty and humanitarian needs, Minister Betta Edu has advocated for a robust synergy between her ministry and the Ministry of Interior. This collaboration is seen as a response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis and lifting Nigerians out of global poverty, as outlined in his Renewed Hope Agenda.

During her visit to the Ministry of Interior Headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Edu stressed the necessity of providing lasting solutions to crises, underscoring the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration for tangible results. She identified internal security, human trafficking, and migration as key factors contributing to insecurity and, consequently, humanitarian crises and poverty throughout the country. Dr. Edu expressed optimism that a coordinated effort between the two ministries would help address these challenges.

In her remarks, Dr. Edu commended Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for bringing his wealth of experience to the ministry. She stated that collaborating with her ministry would provide the intelligence required to manage humanitarian responses effectively.

Dr. Edu highlighted the broader scope of her responsibilities, which focus on reaching a larger population of vulnerable Nigerians, offering them humanitarian services, and alleviating poverty, all in alignment with President Tinubu's agenda. She reiterated the President's commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians and reducing the number of people living below the poverty line.

Furthermore, Dr. Edu stressed the importance of intelligence-sharing and cooperation with the Ministry of Interior in combating issues such as human trafficking, child labor, and sexual exploitation, which contribute to humanitarian crises. She emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration, especially at Nigeria's borders, where issues of illegal crossings persist.

On the subject of social intervention, Dr. Edu announced plans to expand the social register to include servicemen and widows of paramilitary organizations whose spouses have passed away during active service. Inmates of the Nigeria Correctional Services will also be integrated into skill acquisition programs under her ministry's initiatives.

Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo responded positively to Dr. Edu's call for collaboration, acknowledging the importance of the inter-ministerial committee's role in strengthening their shared agenda. He welcomed the initiative to train inmates of the Correctional Services in valuable skills, considering it a heartwarming and welcome development.

The establishment of this collaborative partnership between the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Interior aims to address pressing issues affecting vulnerable populations in Nigeria, with a focus on improving security, reducing human trafficking, and mitigating the causes of humanitarian crises and poverty.