By Muhammad Amaan
The Honourable Minister for State Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu has hosted the Emir of Shonga, Dr Halliru Ndanusa Yahaya, alongside Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN).
The dou were joined by the Chairman of the Association for Advancing Family Planning, Dr Ejike Oji, duirng the advocacy visit to the Minister to discuss the lingering crises in the health sector in Nigeria.
The discussions focused on how seasoned medical leaders can play an advisory role in promoting industrial harmony and enhancing the quality of healthcare.
The delegation also explored ways to strengthen collaboration between the health sector and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, to ensure equitable access to emergency health services in humanitarian settings across Nigeria.
The delegation also congratulated the Ministry and the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, on securing Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the establishment of the National Council on Humanitarian Affairs.
It would be recall that the FEC has approved the establishment of the National Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian interventions across Nigeria.
The new Council will operate under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and is expected to provide strategic guidance for humanitarian programmes nationwide.
The Council was to guide the scope and operations of humanitarian activities and to be headed by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
According to Dr Sununu, the Council would help transform humanitarian programmes from a federal initiative to a truly national effort, with improved oversight and implementation strategies. He added that the Council would also explore ways to engage local businesses and seek increased budgetary support for the ministry.
The Minister emphasised that the Council’s role includes ensuring better collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments to enhance humanitarian response and reduce poverty more effectively.
He noted that this is part of the federal government’s broader effort to deliver meaningful impact and fulfill its core mandate.
Dr Sununu added that the move was part of efforts of the federal government to make the right impact and deliver on its mandate.
Health Reporters Newspaper reports during an advocacy visit in December 2024, the AHBN Coordinator advocated and recommended for the establishment of a Council on Humanitarian Affairs.
“We are happy it was pushed to FEC and secured approval,” Dr Magashi said.
