The Federal government and the United States of America have indicated interest to increase collaboration in Humanitarian interventions in the country.
The two countries made the pledge when the US Ambassador to Nigeria His Excellency Richard M. Mills Jr. and his entourage paid a courtesy visit on the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda in his office. The Minister expressed appreciation to the US government for the robust relationship that have existed between the two countries over the years.
The Minister said one of the biggest business partners of the US is Africa. “We have a strong relationship with the US and we value the relationship and the support you have given this country in many ways such as security, support by UN Agencies and funding”.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has a strong belief that we need to tackle Humanitarian problems because many people are affected in different ways such as flooding, communal clashes, insurgency, climate change among others. So many states are affected and there is need for the country to develop a holistic plan that will address the Humanitarian issues in all affected states across the country rather than concentrating on the three BAY States (Borno, Adamawa and Yobe).
He said the Ministry is in need of US support in Humanitarian interventions and providing durable solutions to displaced persons adding that the US will be involved in all the Federal government Humanitarian programmes.
He explained that the Ministry have developed concept notes in different areas such as job creation for the youths in agriculture, energy and automobile. The Ministry is entering into partnership with relevant Ministries and Agencies in these areas. According to him, the Ministry will fund the pilot scheme fully both in the training and provision of starter packs. When it is successful, then the Ministry will seek for counterpart funding and scale it up.
Prof. Yilwatda pledge d the Ministry’s readiness to work with the US being the biggest partner and funding outlet of the country.
Earlier, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Richard M Mills Jr. stated that the US is Nigeria’s largest bilateral partner in Humanitarian assistance. He said the US relationship with the Ministry is crucial to the effectiveness of its Humanitarian assistance in the country.
He said their Humanitarian assistance is very much driven by evidence of what they see on ground and the data collected from states.
“Our focus is where our assistance is needed.”
The Mission Director USAID, Melissa Jones mentioned that USAID is quiet concerned about the people of Borno State and the BAY States and the impact of the floods on food and security and the concerns on malnutrition. According to her, the US has been on the forefront with UN Agencies to address the urgent needs of hunger in the BAY States and the ability to achieve these results require a strong partnership with the Ministry.
Present at meeting include the Honourable Minister of State Hon. Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan, Director Information and Public Relations, SAs to the Minister and other officials of the US Embassy.
Signed
Iliya Rhoda Ishaku
Director Information and Public Relations
