FG committed to human rights, poverty reduction – Minister

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (MHDSD), Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq, has said that the federal government is fully committed to the implementation of human rights and protection of all Nigerians. 

Speaking Thursday in Abuja during an orientation retreat organised by the ministry, in partnership with the United Nations, Farouk said  the vision of MHDSD is “to have an inclusive social protection system that is proactive, humane, inclusive and sustainable.”

She said: “The federal government’s partnership with the United Nations is an indication of its commitment towards facilitating and coordinating humanitarian services that enables the full implementation of human rights and protection of all Nigerians. As you all are aware, President Muhammadu Buhari made an executive pronouncement on the 21st of August, 2019, to alleviate poverty in Nigeria and established the MHDSD. 

“The ministry is saddled with the responsibility of strengthening Nigeria’s institutional and legal framework for the coordination of humanitarian crises and coordinating ongoing interventions and programs delivered by government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). Our vision is, therefore, to have an inclusive social protection system that is proactive, humane, inclusive and sustainable.

“Presently, the ministry is developing its internal structure based on international best practices and considering available technical expertise you have to offer. As such, an expectation from this retreat is to obtain best practices for our ministry and strengthen ongoing partnership. We are requesting from you technical assistance and support.”

Also speaking, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), Ms Edem Wosornu, pledged the UN’s continued support to Nigeria, especially for the attainment of the objectives of the new ministry.

“Our job is to bring international best practices and our different experiences to be able to support the government of Nigeria at all levels. We are here to bring social developments from different parts of the globe, with examples from Ethiopia, Uganda, Philippines, among others. We will present different issues for government to consider. This is the first interaction we are having with the ministry and we look forward to future collaboration,” she said.

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