The Federal Government on Wednesday launched the Humanitarian Supply Chain Management Partnership for Localisation Project, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s humanitarian response system.
According to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the initiative, which aligns with the Nigeria Localization Framework, seeks to empower local actors and leverage local resources to address the country’s growing humanitarian needs.
Speaking on Thursday at the launch in Abuja, the Vice President, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President) Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said climate change, along with global economic crises, has intensified the nation’s complex humanitarian situation.
A statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, noted that Shettima announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval for establishing a new Disaster Relief Fund.
The fund, he explained, will provide immediate assistance to disaster victims nationwide, supporting the broader localisation framework.
“Inaction is simply not an option, and the cost of failing to address these crises at their roots will be devastating.
“Localization is not merely about placing local actors at the centre of humanitarian efforts; it is the key to a more inclusive, resilient future for Nigeria,” the Vice President said.
The new initiative builds on Nigeria’s Localisation Framework, established in 2019, aiming to place national and local institutions at the forefront of humanitarian decision-making.
The project is implemented by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Emergency, and Logistics in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the USA-based Fritz Institute, and other local partners.
The Vice President stated, “Local communities understand their challenges best, and by empowering them, we provide them with the tools to shape their own futures.”
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Shettima explained that the project represents a key component of President Tinubu’s broader strategy, focusing on human capital development and improved humanitarian responses through enhanced health outcomes, education access, and livelihood stability for affected communities.
Earlier, Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Emergency, and Logistics (Office of the Vice President) Mohammed Ahmed, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to humanitarian aid.
“There is a need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Government must be participatory and inclusive, ensuring that all voices from every segment of society are heard. Everyone is impacted by issues like climate change and conflict,” he explained.
Ahmed added that the project would support Nigeria’s localisation framework, creating a platform to advance the agenda. “We have a lot of work to do to meet Nigeria’s targets on this,” he noted.
On her part, Fritz Institute’s Project Director, Mitsuko Mizushima, highlighted the initiative’s focus on local engagement, noting that the project “is designed to give local people a seat at the table.”
She underscored the growing importance of supply chain management and capacity building.
“We are bringing together international and local organisations, along with academia, to develop standardised training in supply chain management. Over the years, more than 25,000 people have completed this training. It’s accessible to anyone, anywhere, anytime—and it’s free,” Mizushima said.
Additionally, the Chief Adviser and Coordinator to the Government of Borno State on Sustainable Development, Partnerships, and Humanitarian Support, Dr. Mairo Mandara, said localisation means responding to the needs of the people.
She noted that in Borno State, they have defined their needs “and are taking a human-centered approach to humanitarian transition into development.
“As long as we remain focused on our transition plans, we cannot go wrong,” Dr. Mandara emphasized.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also announced that it has directed approximately 27 percent of its funding to Nigerian-led organisations, promoting indigenous control of aid operations.
According to USAID’s Acting Deputy Mission Director, Alexis Taylor-Granados, “Lasting change in Nigeria requires partnership and collaboration.
“We have redoubled our commitment to transferring leadership to local people and institutions who are best positioned to lead change within their own countries and communities.
“By empowering local humanitarian groups to access resources, collaborate effectively, enhance skills, take on leadership roles, and influence humanitarian policy, USAID will ensure that local organisations are better equipped, more self-sufficient, and responsive to the needs of their communities,” Taylor-Granados added.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Society for Family Health (SFH), Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, noted that the conversation on localisation should consider both upstream and downstream perspectives.
“Local laws and manufacturing capacity have a significant impact on localisation. Nigeria has strong organisations in place to handle complex supply chain management programs. We can transform humanitarian aid delivery with the right capacity,” he said.
