JUST-IN: Senate Confirms Bernard Doro As Humanitarian Affairs Minister

The Senate, on Thursday, confirmed Dr. Bernard Doro as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, bringing to a close President Bola Tinubu’s latest cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening social welfare and inclusion programmes.

Doro’s screening, which lasted less than 30 minutes, saw lawmakers expressing confidence in his experience and leadership capacity.

The Plateau State-born technocrat, who becomes the third minister from his state in the current administration, pledged to promote fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s humanitarian interventions.

“I will create a humanitarian ecosystem that is inclusive, guided by impartiality and independence,” Doro assured Senators during the screening session.

Satisfied with his credentials and vision, the lawmakers asked him to take a bow and leave, confirming his nomination thereafter without objection.

President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate requesting Doro’s confirmation in line with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter at plenary and referred it to the Committee of the Whole for immediate action.

Doro’s nomination came after the elevation of his predecessor, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who now serves as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier described Doro as a highly qualified professional with over 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, and strategic leadership roles in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Doro holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA in IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice.

“He is an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with NHS frontline experience across urgent care, walk-in centres, GP practices, and hospital settings,” Onanuga noted.

With Thursday’s confirmation, Doro is expected to be sworn in as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the next council meeting.