A coalition of civil society organisations has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to shelve any alleged plan to scrap the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, saying that if allowed to stand, such a move would plunge more Nigerians into extreme poverty.
The Coalition, consisting of over 300 registered civil society organizations representing 30 million Nigerians, persons living with disabilities and other concerned groups, argued that scrapping the ministry would exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable Nigerians.
The group’s position is in reaction to media reports speculating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to scrap the ministry and merge other ministries, departments and agencies as he reshuffles the cabinet.
In a statement jointly signed by Ambassador Auwal Ibrahim, Convener of the Coalition of Persons Living with Disabilities; Joy Elizabeth, Spokesperson of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations.
and Comrade Mohammed Abbas, chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, the coalition expressed concerns that scrapping the ministry would undermine the protection of vulnerable groups, worsen humanitarian crises, and hinder poverty alleviation efforts.
They added that the proposed scrapping of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is unacceptable and ill-timed. As such, the president must reconsider the decision and strengthen the ministry rather than embarking on a decision that is capable of throwing the populace into abject poverty.
The coalition also vowed to resist any attempt to scrap the ministry in the statement, emphasizing its critical role in addressing humanitarian crises and promoting social welfare.
“We unequivocally reject the proposed scrapping of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and urge President Tinubu to reconsider this ill-advised decision.
As a coalition, we strongly condemn the attempt to dismantle the ministry, which would have devastating consequences for vulnerable Nigerians. Scrapping the ministry would abandon millions of Nigerians to poverty, hunger, and desperation, exacerbating the country’s socio-economic challenges.
“This move would undermine the government’s commitment to social welfare, leaving the most vulnerable populations to fend for themselves. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is critical in addressing humanitarian crises, promoting social cohesion, and alleviating poverty.
“We call on President Tinubu to strengthen the ministry, rather than scrapping it, and ensure its continued support for vulnerable Nigerians.
We are also calling on all Nigerians to join us in opposing this decision and demanding that the government prioritise the needs of its most vulnerable citizens. We are determined to mobilise Nigerians to resist any attempt to scrap the ministry, using all lawful means necessary to protect the interests of vulnerable populations.
“The coalition will not stand idly by while the government abandons its responsibility to protect and support its citizens. We remain committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable Nigerians and will continue to press for policies that promote social justice and equality.” the statement reads.
