….Holds 8th edition of the National Humanitarian Coordination Technical Working Group Meeting.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in collaboration with the World Food Programme have launched the National Policy for Cash and Voucher Assistance in Humanitarian Context and it’s Implementation Plan 2025-2030.
The documents were launched in Abuja by the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu.
The Minister of State speaking through the Permanent Secretary Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, PhD. in his keynote address stated that the policy document represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s Humanitarian architecture.it provides a strategic and operational framework to ensure that cash- based interventions are coherent, accountable and harmonized across all actors, government, UN agencies, NGOs and development partners.
“As we unveil the 2025-2030 policy and it’s Implementation Plan today, I wish to emphasise that it’s impact will not only be realized through collective action but by our shared commitment to operationalize and institutionalize it at the sub-national , where the realities of Humanitarian response are most acute”.
Dr Sununu called on all State Governments, Local Government Authorities, and partners across the Humanitarian and development spectrum to embrace and mainstream the policy within their operational frameworks.
“Let’s us strengthen coordination, promote accountability and ensure that the benefits of Cash and Voucher Assistance reach every deserving household across Nigeria”.
He appreciated the the World Food Programme for its invaluable contribution, particularly for providing the consultant who developed the policy. He said the technical expertise and continued partnership have been instrumental in shaping the important national framework.
He also thanked the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)for providing support in conducting the needs assessment which enriched the content of the policy and it’s Implementation Plan.
Dr. Sununu commended the Governors of Kano and Edo States for their proactive engagement and sub-national implementation of cash and voucher assistance programs. He also applauded the National Humanitarian Coordination Technical Working Group for its commitment throughout the policy formulation, review, and validation processes that led to its FEC approval.
He thanked the National Assembly, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Federal Ministry of Justice, Donor Agencies, and Private Sector Actors for their invaluable input in shaping the policy.
Dr Sununu reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to lead and coordinate efforts that ensure the effective rollout and monitoring of the policy across all levels.
Earlier, the Director of Humanitarian Affairs Department of the Ministry, Mrs. Jummai Katagum, emphasized the importance of the new policy in providing clarity, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and supporting national priorities in food security and social inclusion.
“In a context where humanitarian needs increase due to recurrent shocks from floods and conflicts to economic vulnerabilities, the Cash and Vouchers Assistance Policy and its Implementation Plan will help to streamline coordination, enhance accountability mechanisms, strengthen data-driven targeting and ensure that assistance truly reaches those who need it most”.
The event also featured goodwill messages from key partners, including the Representatives of the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Women Affairs and Social Development; the Honourable Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); UN Agencies, Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Edo State and Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs, Kano State.
The Deputy Country Director of WFP, Mr. Edward Thiam, who represented the Country Director of WFP, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s humanitarian vision, describing the policy as “a decisive step toward restoring dignity and empowering vulnerable populations.” The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen gender equity and empower women through financial literacy and digital inclusion initiatives.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Director, Humanitarian Affairs Department of the Ministry, expressed gratitude to various stakeholders for their contributions to the significant project aimed at poverty reduction and policy framework development in Nigeria.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the policy document by the Permanent Secretary, followed by a call for stakeholders to continue strengthening coordination, promoting transparency, and upholding humanitarian principles in all interventions.
Others present at the event include the Directors of the Ministry, Representative of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), CSOs, the Media and other stakeholders.
Signed
Iliya Rhoda Ishaku
Director, Information & Public Relations
