The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the National Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian interventions across Nigeria.
The new Council will operate under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and is expected to provide strategic guidance for humanitarian programmes nationwide.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yusuf Sununu, during a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja. The briefing focused on sustainable responses to humanitarian needs, particularly in light of the partial suspension of World Food Programme (WFP) operations in parts of the North-East and North-West.
Dr. Sununu noted that the Council would help transform humanitarian programmes from a federal initiative to a truly national effort, with improved oversight and implementation strategies. He added that the Council would also explore ways to engage local businesses and seek increased budgetary support for the ministry.
The Minister emphasized that the Council’s role includes ensuring better collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments to enhance humanitarian response and reduce poverty more effectively. He noted that this is part of the federal government’s broader effort to deliver meaningful impact and fulfill its core mandate.
In a related development, Sununu announced that President Bola Tinubu has lifted the suspension on the ministry’s account, which was previously frozen due to allegations of fund diversion under the former minister, Betta Edu.
The financial misconduct, involving funds intended for vulnerable groups, led to the recovery of $24 million and the discovery of over 50 suspicious bank accounts linked to the previous administration.
According to the Minister, President Tinubu remains committed to restoring public trust in the ministry and upholding transparency and accountability as guiding principles.
