The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, has called for a collective approach in implementing strategic plans to effectively tackle humanitarian crises across the country.
Fall made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) 2025–2027 Strategic Plan and a high-level discussion with IOM Deputy Director-General for Operations, Ms. Ugochi Daniels.
According to him, a unified strategy is essential not only for addressing humanitarian challenges but also for fostering peace and stability.
“Every day we see humanitarian workers attacked. Therefore, having a collective strategy inaugurated today will not only help secure displaced persons but also ensure durable solutions,” Fall said.
“This will help restore dignity to displaced persons. It is a wake-up call on government and private sectors to partner more effectively in tackling humanitarian crises.”
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, pledged to work closely with IOM to consolidate progress, noting that women and children make up over 70 per cent of vulnerable persons in crises.
“We have activated our family cohesion strategy, and I look forward to deeper collaboration so we can achieve target goals collectively,” she said.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, welcomed the new strategy, stressing the importance of collaboration with security agencies.
“This strategy supports Nigeria’s long-term goals under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. It will address urgent needs while focusing on sustainable solutions, including youth empowerment and poverty reduction,” he said.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, described the plan as “timely and forward-looking,” assuring IOM of the military’s readiness to strengthen cooperation.
“We believe that through constructive partnership, we can build a future where migration is safe, orderly, and dignified, while ensuring that security and development are mutually reinforced,” Musa said.
The event also featured goodwill messages from acting Governor of Katsina, Faruk Lawal-Jobe; Deputy Governor of Borno, Umar Kadafur; IOM Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon; and NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, before the official unveiling of the strategy.
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