The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has urged the newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, to leverage financial technology to ensure that the Federal Government’s initiatives reach vulnerable individuals nationwide.
The lawmaker, who has served in the National Assembly for over 20 consecutive years, advised the new appointee to be mindful of the circumstances that led to the removal of his predecessor, Betta Edu, and to avoid similar pitfalls.
Speaking on Wednesday, alongside other lawmakers during the screening of the ministerial nominee from Plateau State, Ndume emphasized the importance of the humanitarian ministry, noting that around 60% of Nigerians live in poverty and that Yilwatda’s appointment comes amid a global focus on the worsening humanitarian crisis in the country.
“You know the circumstance that led to the relief of your predecessor. My question now is that as the first man to be appointed as humanitarian minister. What would you do as a case of emergency to make sure that the humanitarian crisis that we are facing, and are likely to face more, will be addressed?” Ndume asked.
“Fortunately, you are an ICT person. How do you intend to do that? That will give us a lot of comfort.”
In response to questions from Ndume and other senators, nominee Nentawe Yilwatda pledged to leverage technology and innovation to address the country’s humanitarian challenges.
Following his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio invited Yilwatda to take a bow.
A native of Plateau State, Yilwatda is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a community developer, and a lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Benue State.
Yilwatda previously served as a Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017, and held the position of Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State.
Last Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu appointed Yilwatda to succeed Betta Edu, who was suspended in January 2024 amid controversy.
Edu faced allegations over approving ₦585,198,500.00 for deposit into a personal account, a claim she denied, attributing it to efforts to tarnish her reputation, insisting she would not embezzle government funds.
Notably, Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, also came under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of ₦37.1 billion during her tenure under President Buhari’s administration.
With Nigeria grappling with economic instability, rising inflation, and increasing security concerns, President Tinubu has faced mounting criticism regarding his cabinet’s performance over the past 15 months.
In response to these pressures, the President implemented a cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, terminating five ministers, reassigning ten, and introducing seven new appointees.