The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, has urged Nigeria to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation to address rising humanitarian needs as global funding for humanitarian interventions continues to decline.
Doro made the call in an interview with ARISE NEWS monitored by The News Chronicle on Wednesday while reflecting on the 2026 World Humanitarian Day theme, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities.”
He said that changes in policy in the United States, traditionally one of the largest contributors to humanitarian causes, had affected the funding available to Nigeria and other countries.
According to him, Nigeria has been identified as one of eight countries requiring a “humanitarian reset,” which means taking greater responsibility for addressing humanitarian challenges within its borders.
Doro said the government was therefore refocusing its efforts on national leadership, stronger domestic funding and greater local participation in humanitarian interventions.
“With our humanitarian needs increasing globally, unfortunately, the purse is shrinking. Contributions to humanitarian causes globally are shrinking,” he said, stressing the importance of global solidarity and stronger local capacity.
On internally displaced persons, the minister said the government was working with security agencies to facilitate the safe and voluntary resettlement of displaced Nigerians when conditions permit.
He said the government was also monitoring the 2026 lean season and mobilising resources to respond to emerging needs. Doro disclosed that an emergency programme targeting about seven million people with cash transfers was expected to be launched soon.
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The minister said the National Social Register was also being strengthened by validating beneficiaries’ details with their National Identification Numbers to ensure assistance reaches vulnerable Nigerians. He added that digital disbursement would improve transparency and accountability.
On food insecurity, Doro said the government was adopting a multisectoral approach involving various ministries and agencies, including the National Community Food Bank Programme, to support vulnerable households.
He also stressed the need to protect humanitarian workers operating in conflict-affected communities, noting that their safety is essential to ensuring that assistance reaches those in need.
Doro said the government remained committed to tackling poverty through its Renewed Hope Agenda and would unveil new strategic documents and a poverty reduction plan.
