CSOs unite against alleged plan to abolish Humanitarian Affairs Ministry
Coalition of over 300 registered civil society organizations, representing 30 million Nigerians, Thursday opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged plan to scrap the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The group, comprising persons living with disabilities, civil society organizations, and concerned groups, argued that scrapping the ministry would worsen the suffering of vulnerable Nigerians.
Reports have been circulating that President Tinubu plans to scrap the ministry and merge other ministries, departments, and agencies as part of his cabinet reshuffle.
In a joint statement, Ambassador Auwal Ibrahim, Convener, Coalition of Persons Living with Disabilities; Joy Elizabeth, Spokesperson, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations; and Comrade Mohammed Abbas, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, expressed concerns that scrapping the ministry would undermine protection for vulnerable groups, exacerbate humanitarian crises, and hinder poverty alleviation efforts.
The coalition described the proposed scrapping as “unacceptable and ill-timed,” urging President Tinubu to reconsider and strengthen the ministry instead. They emphasized the ministry’s critical role in addressing humanitarian crises and promoting social welfare.
“We reject the proposed scrapping of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and urge President Tinubu to reconsider this decision. Scrapping the ministry would abandon millions of Nigerians to poverty, hunger, and desperation, exacerbating socio-economic challenges.”
The coalition vowed to resist any attempt to scrap the ministry, calling on all Nigerians to join them in opposing the decision and demanding the government prioritize vulnerable citizens’ needs. They remain committed to advocating for vulnerable Nigerians’ rights and well-being, pressing for policies promoting social justice and equality.
Notably, President Tinubu recently suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu . However, there has been no official confirmation on the ministry’s potential scrapping.
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