The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has called for collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Interior on addressing illegal migration, human trafficking, child labour and provision of vocational skills at correctional centres.
Edu made this known during her courtesy visit on the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji – Ojo, at the Interior Headquarters, Garki, Abuja.
She said “The Federal government is committed to supporting the families of veterans who lost their lives in service and their relatives left behind have become very poor and can fit in within our brackets”
“We want to get these names and capture them under the expanded National Social Register”.
The Minister also requested for partnership from the Nigerian Immigration Service on illegal migration, child labour, human trafficking saying the Federal government has approved the deployment of NAPTIP officers to the port and there is need to step up collaboration in that area.
She called on the NSCDC for the provision of security during humanitarian response as well as the Fire Service as first respondents in case of disaster or emergency.
She said the mandate of the Ministry is cross cutting and requested for the collaboration of the Ministry of Interior.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in his response commended Edu for providing a broader perspective on humanitarian issues.
He said the two ministries have historical connection on handling emergencies and disaster which calls for collaboration to achieve common goals.
He requested for the establishment of an Inter-ministerial Committee to address common issues and pledged the support and cooperation of the Ministry of Interior on the humanitarian areas raised by Dr Edu.
In attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Oluwatoyin Akinlade, Directors and Heads of Agencies of both Ministries.
