The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring hope and dignity to millions of Nigerians affected by displacement and poverty.
Speaking during an engagement with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Jos, on Monday, Dr. Doro emphasized that his ministry is focused on ensuring efficiency and transparency in its humanitarian interventions.
“Our focus is on restoring hope to those who have been displaced,” he said. “We are doing this by ensuring efficiency within the ministry and by making sure that our outreach and interventions actually reach the intended recipients — the right demographic. That is very key.”
The minister explained that the ministry is adopting a person-centered approach to managing humanitarian challenges, particularly those affecting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). He added that plans are underway to strengthen key agencies under the ministry, including the Refugee Commission, to ensure better coordination and impact.
“We will remove any duplication of functions and strengthen collaboration among them to achieve greater synergy and deliver meaningful impact to those affected,” Dr. Doro stated. “Upon my return to office, my first priority will be to meet with the Executive Directors and Directors-General of the agencies under the ministry to enhance collaboration.”
On security concerns linked to displacement, Dr. Doro commended ongoing efforts to revamp the country’s security architecture. “Most of the humanitarian problems we face are man-made — conflicts, wars, and other crises — which lead to displacement,” he said. “That is why the government is injecting more vigor and fresh ideas into resolving insecurity.”
The minister also highlighted the administration’s determination to tackle poverty through the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP). “We intend to confront the challenge of multidimensional poverty head-on,” he said. “At the end of our tenure, we want to be able to present verifiable data showing what we have achieved in reducing poverty levels. Our plan is to scale up our interventions, provide capital support to those at the bottom of the economic ladder, and promote a welfare system that lifts people out of poverty.”
In her remarks, the NUJ Chairman Ayuku Pwaspo, thanked the Minister for his visit and assured him of the media’s readiness to partner with the ministry in promoting humanitarian initiatives.
“We believe this will be the beginning of continuous engagement between your ministry and the media. You have demonstrated genuine interest in working with journalists, and we are grateful.” She said.
The NUJ also presented a souvenir to Dr. Doro as part of its 2025 Press Week celebration themed ‘Plateau: What Next After the Crossroads?’ — symbolizing renewed collaboration between the media and government in promoting peace, development, and positive change.
