The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, pledged $270 million to support Nigeria’s humanitarian response and poverty alleviation efforts on Monday.
The United Nations humanitarian interventions group specifically stated that the funds would be used to support Nigeria’s efforts to alleviate poverty and respond to humanitarian crises.
The Country Representative of UNICEF, Christian Mundate and UNICEF Chief of Health & HIV/AIDS, Eduardo Celades, made this announcement during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, in Abuja.
In a statement released on Tuesday night by Mrs. Rhoda Iliya, Deputy Director of the ministry, the UNICEF delegation assured the minister of technical support to build the capacity of the ministry’s staff and support the development of a humanitarian response protocol for Nigeria to guide all humanitarian actors.
The delegation explained that this would facilitate effective coordination.
In a statement the organization also assured that it would support the establishment of a National Humanitarian Situation Room (H-EOC), which will monitor, mitigate, and prevent humanitarian emergencies and build resilience in the system.
In response, Dr. Betta Edu, the minister, informed the delegation that the Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to lifting 133 million Nigerians out of poverty in a phased approach, with a particular focus on the 71 million Nigerians who live on less than $1.95 per day.
She urged UNICEF to also draw up plans towards supporting the federal government on poverty alleviation.
”Time is of the essence and we need to run at the speed of light to roll out social programs that will bring relief to the burdens of the poor.
“Nigerians are eagerly waiting for full implementation of the renewed hope agenda, the time for intense action is now”, she said