Shettima Pledges Strong Action On Humanitarian Challenges

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

This, according to him, entails that the administration will continue to engage more with critical stakeholders, including development partners, in tackling 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 one of the most professional in the world, will continue to operate in tandem 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 in acknowledgement and affirmation of the organisation’s healthy diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which has blossomed over the years of its operations in parts of the country.

Ms El Doueihy said ICRC was proud to associate with Nigeria as a leader in the continent and a partner with the country in advancing the cause of humanitarian support across conflict zones in the areas of health, water, and 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.