Nigeria to Deepen Humanitarian Response, Engage Key Partners – Shettima

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s firm resolve to address humanitarian situations across Nigeria.

This, according to him, entails that the administration will continue to engage more closely with critical stakeholders, including development partners, to tackle grey areas in humanitarian responses across the country.

Senator Shettima stated this on Tuesday when he received, on a courtesy visit, a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nigeria led by Ms Doris El Doueihy, to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said Nigeria, under the leadership of President Tinubu, will continue to nurture existing relationships with key stakeholders like the ICRC, noting that “it is only when we continue engaging with organisations like the Red Cross that we can address some of the grey areas in our humanitarian responses across the country”.

The Vice President commended the ICRC for its professionalism and commitment to the ideals of a peaceful and just society, especially in areas plagued by armed conflict and related vices.

He welcomed the proposal to establish a national mechanism for humanitarian response, particularly in managing the plight of victims of armed conflict, noting that the Federal Government is willing to collaborate with the ICRC to establish and operationalise the framework for Nigeria.

While thanking the delegation for the visit, Senator Shettima assured that Nigeria’s security forces, which he described as among the most professional in the world, will continue to operate in accordance with international guidelines and standards.

Earlier, Ms El Doueihy commended Nigeria for domesticating the Kampala Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, describing the country as a leader and model for emulation across Africa and beyond.

She said the visit to the presidency was to acknowledge and affirm the organisation’s healthy diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which have blossomed over the years of its operations in parts of the country.

Ms El Doueihy said the ICRC was proud to associate with Nigeria as a leader on the continent and a partner in advancing humanitarian support across conflict zones, including in health, water, and the training of security personnel, among others.

Also present during the visit to the Vice President was the President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adetayo Adeaga, among others.