UNICEF Pledges $270 Towards Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

On Tuesday,  the United Nations Children's Fund told the Federal Government of Nigeria that UNICEF is still on its mandate to support humanitarian response and poverty alleviation in Nigeria—the group went on to support the program with $270m.

UNICEF issued the relief fund after their team visited the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu in Abuja. 

The group from UNICEF was led by Christian Mundate, the agency's Country Representative who also was accompanied by Eduardo Celades, the Chief of Health and HIV/AIDS.

After the visit, Rhoda Iliya, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation said these:

• The UNICEF chief also assured the minister of technical support to build the capacity of the ministry’s staff as well as support the development of a humanitarian response protocol for Nigeria to guide all humanitarian actors, as this will facilitate effective coordination.

• We will also support the development of a humanitarian response protocol for Nigeria to guide all humanitarian actors as this will facilitate effective coordination.

• We will support the establishment of a National Humanitarian Situation Room or Humanitarian Emergency Operation Centre to monitor, mitigate, and prevent humanitarian emergencies and build resilience in the system.

Also, the Minister told UNICEF's representatives that the Federal Government has a goal of alleviating 133 million Nigerians of poverty in a step-by-step approach, especially the group of 71 million poor Nigerians who live under $1.90/day.

Dr Betta Edu also told UNICEF to increase its plans to support the federal government in the fight against poverty.

In her words, 

• Time is of the essence and we need to run at the speed of light to roll out social programs that will bring relief to the burdens of the poor. Nigerians are eagerly waiting for the full implementation of the renewed hope agenda, the time for intense action is now

Towards the close of the meeting, the minister told UNICEF that the ministry worked on transparency and accountability in making sure that the goals of the commission are fulfilled.

She also commended UNICEF for their efforts and urged them to put up a good fight as the Federal Government is working along with them to make sure its target is achieved.