ABUJA, July 15 – Nigeria plans to take a bigger role in leading humanitarian operations across the country as the government begins a gradual shift from a system largely coordinated by the United Nations and international donors.
The transition was announced during a joint workshop in Abuja, where the Nigerian government and the United Nations started discussions on handing over more responsibility for planning, coordination and funding of humanitarian activities to national institutions.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Bernard Doro said the change does not mean international support is ending. Instead, he said Nigeria will lead coordination efforts while continuing to receive technical support from the United Nations and other development partners.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall said the new approach is aimed at building a more sustainable system by increasing support from the government and the private sector, rather than reducing international assistance.
According to the United Nations, nearly 35 million Nigerians could face hunger this year following cuts to global aid budgets.
Doro said the ministry will work with federal and state governments, humanitarian organisations and affected communities to coordinate preparedness, emergency response and recovery efforts across the country.
He added that Nigeria plans to take the lead in preparing its 2027 humanitarian response plan, with technical support from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the wider UN system.
