Federal Govt Urged To Address Humanitarian Aid Disparities In Nigeria

The federal government has been urged to prioritise the humanitarian and development sectors to devise strategies for more effective aid provision in the country.

The executive director, Neem foundation, Dr. Fatima Akilu, made the call yesterday in Abuja, at an event while speaking on the theme: “Aid Beyond Politics and According to Need: Overcoming Disparities in Humanitarian Responses in Nigeria.”

Akilu stated that the significant disparities in aid distribution within Nigeria, particularly between the Northeast and Northwest regions, despite similar levels of displacement and economic vulnerability.

She noted that the event aimed to understand the factors leading to disparities in aid provision both internationally and locally, and how these factors impact marginalised demographics.

“We recognize that while the landscape of aid provision in Nigeria is saturated with positive forces, certain demographics often remain marginalised and underrepresented,” she said.

She said the event aimed to draw parallels between aid dynamics in Nigeria and other conflict-affected countries, such as Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Ukraine.

Akilu highlighted that the Neem foundation, known for its work in peacebuilding, psychology, gender and social inclusion, education, and strategic communication, officially opened the event in partnership with the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), gathering key stakeholders.

“We are excited by the opportunity to bring together important stakeholders within the humanitarian and development architecture in Nigeria to discuss ways in which we can better serve the communities that we aim to help,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of aligning international and local aid efforts with the actual needs at the grassroots level, ensuring interventions are driven by evidence rather than convenience.

Akilu reiterated the Neem foundation’s commitment to maintaining evidential integrity in its interventions to ensure they reflect genuine needs.