The Federal Government has condemned in strong terms the ongoing inhuman actions of non-state armed groups in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states and their devastating effects on the North East region of the country.
Mr Enitan, who frowned at this during the 2024 World Humanitarian Day (WHD) celebration with the theme ‘Act for Humanity’ held in Logo Local Government Council of Benue State, donated multi-million naira in food and non-food items to thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Logo, Gwer-West, Agatu, and Otukpo Local Government Councils of Benue State, respectively.
Some of the items are 50 bales of used clothes, 150 bags of 25 kg rice, and 1,500 cartons of dates (Dabino) to support the vulnerable groups, with an assurance to sustain the humanitarian efforts.
The Permanent Secretary, who was able to be represented by Director, Planning, Research, & Statistics, Mrs Patience Oyekunle, disclosed that the Ministry has developed a homegrown plan, the National Humanitarian Development Peace Plan (NHDPP), which will guide the current humanitarian operations and activities in Nigeria.
Mr. Enitan, who expressed excitement over the ingenuity, maintained that “a peaceful and cohesive society is less likely to pose threats to humanitarian workers and the people they serve. It is time to promote peacebuilding efforts to reduce hostility, promote understanding between communities and aid providers, and enhance the safety and security of all involved in the humanitarian response,” he noted.
He observed that this year’s Humanitarian Day celebration was “dedicated to recognise the efforts of humanitarian workers worldwide and their institutions who provide life-saving assistance to people affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies. This special day seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by these humanitarian aid workers and advocate for the protection of civilians caught in conflicts, the safety of aid workers, and the need to mobilise more resources to meet the growing humanitarian needs.
“The world faces growing humanitarian challenges due to conflicts, climate change, pandemics, and natural disasters. In Nigeria, the ongoing inhuman actions of the Non-State Armed Group (NSAG) continue to devastate the north-eastern region of Nigeria, particularly in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The conflict has led to widespread displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and significant loss of life.
“It is worthy to note that in the North-West and North-Central regions, armed banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes have caused severe insecurity. States like Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger have seen an increase in violence, leading to further displacement and disruption of livelihoods. The middle-belt region, including states like Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa, continues to experience violent clashes between farmers and herders, primarily over land and water resources.
“The effect of these humanitarian crises has resulted in deaths (both the humanitarian aid workers and the people they serve), triggered acute food insecurity as a result of disruption of agricultural production, destruction of healthcare, educational, and other social infrastructures, rise in protection issues, decline in markets and economic activities, hunger, and malnutrition.
“As we reflect on the theme for this year’s event, “Act for Humanity,” let us use this opportunity to build public pressure with relevant Ministry’s Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government both at the national and sub-national levels, UN agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other non-state actors in the humanitarian space to ensure the protection of humanitarian workers and civilians, harnessing our collective public outrage to demand accountability for violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and national norms.”
He also underscored the need for relevant stakeholders to “ponder peacebuilding and social cohesion programmes and initiatives in addressing the root causes of conflict and violence, which are often the main barriers to effective humanitarian response, by promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and conflict resolution, to reduce violence and create a more stable environment where humanitarian agencies can operate safely.
“As a ministry, we have developed a homegrown plan, the National Humanitarian Development Peace Plan (NHDPP), which will guide the current humanitarian operations and activities in Nigeria. A peaceful and cohesive society is less likely to pose threats to humanitarian workers and the people they serve.
“It is time to promote peacebuilding efforts to reduce hostility, promote understanding between communities and aid providers, and enhance the safety and security of all involved in the humanitarian response.”
While appreciating the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and other humanitarian workers for championing the support, he maintained that “it is time to promote peacebuilding efforts to reduce hostility, promote understanding between communities and aid providers, and enhance the safety and security of all involved in the humanitarian response.”
In his address, Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr Aondowase Kunde, urged the Benue State House of Assembly on the need for accelerated passage of Durable Solutions bills.
While noting that 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, he expressed concern that 2024 could be even worse.
He said, “Mr Speaker, several of our colleagues have been killed, maimed, kidnapped, or violated in the course of acting for humanity, especially in the North East Region of Nigeria.
“World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity for us to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of humanitarian workers who risk their lives to assist others. It’s a day to advocate for the safety and security of aid workers and to highlight the importance of humanitarian efforts in alleviating suffering.”
He requested that the House consider allocating 10 per cent of the upcoming budget to support the implementation of durable solutions in the state.
Mr Kunde said: “If Benue State is to benefit from the durable solutions, we ask that you and your distinguished colleagues consider a 10 per cent allocation of the upcoming budget to enable His Excellency to support the implementation of the durable solutions in the State come 2025 while soliciting for the support of the partners.’
While responding, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Benue State, Aondona Dajoh, who was represented by the House Majority Leader, Hon. Saater Tiseer, pledged the Assembly’s readiness to give support to alleviating humanitarian needs in the state.
He disclosed that out of the 19 bills passed into law in the last year, three are targeted at addressing humanitarian crises. They are the Benue Investment Promotion Law, the law to establish the Benue Youth Development Agency, and the Benue State Civil Protection Law.
While pledging that the assembly will look into the ones still on their table, Tiseer said the implementation of the three laws will help in solving humanitarian issues in the state.
In his remarks, Chairman, Logo Local Government Council, Hon. Uzenda Benjamin, eulogised the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Enitan, for giving passionate and accelerated approval for the multi-million naira relief materials sent to Benue State for inward distribution to IDPs across the state.
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