Canada commits $18 million to address humanitarian responses in Nigeria 

The Canadian Government has pledged to allocate $152million to support Nigeria in tackling poverty and also help in various humanitarian initiatives within the country.

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, conveyed this commitment during a visit to the office of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja.

Ambassador Christoff emphasized that the funds would be directed towards supporting vulnerable women and young girls across Nigeria.

He commended the establishment of the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund, viewing it as a positive step that enhances coordination with the government.

“I am here with my team to express our support for the President’s mandate to alleviate poverty and address humanitarian crises in Nigeria through your ministry,” stated Ambassador Christoff.

In response, Dr Betta Edu, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, expressed appreciation for the visit and assured the High Commissioner of a collaborative working relationship.

Dr Edu highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to significantly addressing poverty and humanitarian crises in Nigeria by 2030, aligning with the SDG target.

She assured the High Commissioner that the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund would be utilized transparently to address emergency humanitarian responses and poverty-related issues in Nigeria.

The Minister called for a reevaluation of contributions to Nigeria by all humanitarian responders, emphasizing the need for durable solutions to the country’s challenges.

Dr Edu pledged a transparent implementation process to prevent duplication and wastage of resources, seeking a radical change in approach for more effective outcomes.