FG seeks partnership with UAE to address climate-fueled humanitarian crises

The federal government has solicited a partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Red Crescent Authority to address the humanitarian crises caused by climate change in Nigeria.

In a statement on Sunday, Betta Edu, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, spoke during a visit to Hammoud Al-Junaibi, secretary general of the UAE Red Crescent (ERCA), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Edu said Nigeria seeks the support of the UAE to advance the initiative designed by the ministry to improve humanitarian response and effectively attend to emergencies in the country.

She said the initiative “The renewed hope strategic roadmap for humanitarian response and poverty alleviation” has been duly endorsed by President Bola Tinubu.

“Recognizing the scope and complexity of the task at hand, the federal government through the ministry is eager to collaborate with the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Authority and your global team, to achieve durable solutions to some of the challenges within our mandate,” the statement reads.

“The roadmap outlines a comprehensive strategic response programme aimed at enhancing the quality of life for our citizens and providing much-needed support in critical areas such as durable shelter, nutrition, health, safe water, grants for vulnerable, livelihood, regional humanitarian hubs, support for out-of-school children’s programme for conflict-affected areas where children have been displaced and a host of several other initiatives.

“The ministry of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation in line with this mandate is committed to fostering collaboration with strategic and reputable international organizations like yours to effectively implement this ambitious strategic roadmap.

“Our target through this partnership is to reach approximately three million individuals of concern, whose lives have been deeply affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

“We recognize the inevitable expertise, financial resources, and experience that the UAE Red Crescent Authority brings to the table, your track record of principled humanitarian work and dedication to improving lives aligns perfectly with our objectives.”

On his part, Al-Junaibi said the UAE Red Crescent Authority was ready to collaborate with Nigeria to achieve its humanitarian targets.