Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M.Doro has requested for the support of African Development Bank (AfDB) to support the ministry’s efforts in addressing multi-dimensional poverty, Humanitarian challenges and the growing numbers of At-Risk and Out-of -School Children across the country. This was contained in a statement signed by Janet McDickson Noah, Director, Information, and Public Relations.
The minister made this request when he hosted the AFDB delegation who visited him in his office.
During the meeting, Dr. Doro outlined the Ministry’s comprehensive Reform Agenda, including the proposed “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System,” designed to enhance coordination, eliminate duplication of interventions, strengthen data management, and improve service delivery to vulnerable populations.
He also highlighted plans to establish a National Poverty Data Lab, strengthen the National Social Register, develop a unified beneficiary management system, and implement a Poverty Graduation Pathway to support sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment amongst other initiatives.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing the Ministry’s mandate of lifting Nigerians out of poverty and providing social protection for vulnerable groups. He noted that the Ministry remains committed to working with development partners to deliver impactful programmes.
Responding on behalf of the African Development Bank, the leader of the delegation and the Operations Support Manager of the AfDB, commended the Ministry’s Reform Initiatives, particularly the focus on governance, data-driven interventions, and beneficiary tracking systems. The Bank described the proposals as transformative and aligned with its development objectives.
The AfDB delegation further expressed readiness to review the Ministry’s proposals and explore possible areas of support through available financing and technical assistance mechanisms. The Bank also provided updates on ongoing interventions, including support for at-risk children and social protection programmes in Nigeria.
At the meeting were some Directors and the Honourable Minister’s Aids.
END
