FMHAPR Seeks AfDB Support for Poverty Reduction, Humanitarian Reforms
Oru LeonardÂ
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (FMHAPR), has sought the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB), to strengthen efforts aimed at tackling multidimensional poverty, addressing humanitarian challenges, and reducing the growing number of at-risk and out-of-school children across Nigeria.
The appeal was made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, during a meeting with an AfDB delegation that visited his office in Abuja on Friday.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, Dr. Doro presented the ministry’s comprehensive reform agenda, which includes the proposed “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System.” The initiative is designed to improve coordination among intervention programmes, eliminate duplication, strengthen data management, and enhance service delivery to vulnerable populations.
The minister also outlined 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 aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment for beneficiaries.
Speaking during the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing the ministry’s mandate of lifting Nigerians out of poverty and expanding social protection coverage for vulnerable groups.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with development partners to deliver impactful programmes that improve the lives of citizens.
Responding on behalf of the AfDB delegation, the Operations Support Manager and leader of the team commended the ministry’s reform initiatives, particularly its emphasis on governance, data-driven interventions, and beneficiary tracking systems.
The delegation described the proposals as transformative and consistent with the Bank’s development objectives, expressing willingness to review the ministry’s submissions and explore possible areas of support through available financing and technical assistance mechanisms.
The AfDB team also provided updates on its ongoing interventions in Nigeria, including programmes targeting at-risk children and social protection initiatives.
The meeting was attended by directors of the ministry and aides to the minister, as discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to enhance poverty reduction and humanitarian response efforts across the country.
