Coalition Against Abolition of Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria: A Call to Preserve the Rights of the Most Vulnerable
A group of over 300 registered civil society organizations, representing 30 million Nigerians, on Thursday voiced their opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged plan to abolish the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The coalition, comprising persons with disabilities, civil society organizations and concerned groups, argued that abolishing the ministry would worsen the suffering of the most vulnerable Nigerians.
Rumours are circulating that President Tinubu is considering abolishing the ministry and merging other ministries, departments and agencies as part of his cabinet reshuffle.
In a joint statement, Ambassador Auwal Ibrahim, Convener of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities; Joy Elizabeth, Spokesperson of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations; and Comrade Mohammed Abbas, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, expressed concerns about the impact of the abolition of the ministry, stressing that it would undermine the protection of vulnerable groups, exacerbate humanitarian crises and hamper efforts to combat poverty.
The coalition described the proposed abolition as “unacceptable and unwelcome”, urging President Tinubu to reconsider and strengthen the ministry. They stressed the ministry’s crucial role in addressing humanitarian crises and promoting social welfare.
“We reject the proposed abolition of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and call on President Tinubu to reconsider this decision. The abolition of the ministry would abandon millions of Nigerians to poverty, hunger and despair, exacerbating socio-economic challenges.”
The coalition has vowed to oppose any move to abolish the ministry, calling on all Nigerians to join them in opposing the move and demanding that the government prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable citizens. They remain committed to defending the rights and welfare of vulnerable Nigerians, advocating for policies that promote social justice and equality.
It is worth noting that President Tinubu recently suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu. However, there has been no official confirmation on the possible abolition of the ministry.