UN, Others Seek Stronger Humanitarian Response In Nigeria

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), through its International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) Nigeria, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Gregory University, Uturu, Prof Professor Uwaoma Uche,

and former Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, has called for more effective humanitarian response in Nigeria.

The experts spoke in Abuja yesterday, at the 16th Annual Humanitarian Public Lecture and Induction Ceremony organised by the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (IHSD) to commemorate World Humanitarian Day.

The event was organised under the theme, “Resilience in Action: Strengthening Ethical Leadership, Inclusivity and Humanitarian Values in Nigeria.”

Speaking, the Director of UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria, Mrs Ihuoma Njemanze, said protecting humanitarian workers required effective accountability of perpetrators and an end to impunity for attacks against those providing assistance during crises.

Njemanze said more than 1,000 humanitarian workers had lost their lives globally over the past three years, stressing that the victims were not mere statistics but doctors, nurses, drivers, aid coordinators and other people who had chosen to serve communities in times of crisis.

She warned that attacks on humanitarian workers had consequences beyond the immediate harm to the victims, as affected communities could lose access to food, water, healthcare, shelter and protection.

According to her, existing international humanitarian laws must be effectively enforced, while perpetrators of attacks must face serious consequences.

Njemanze called for greater investment in capacity building, research and innovation to strengthen humanitarian response and disaster preparedness in Nigeria,. saying that the collaboration between IHSD and UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria was entering a new phase, which she described as “humanitarianism 4.0”, driven by technology, innovation, sustainability and partnerships.

“We have passed the level where we used to give joint statements, the level where we do joint lectures and the level where we just show up for each other. Now, we are moving to the next level,” she said.

She also challenged governments to strengthen the implementation of international humanitarian law and include capacity building for humanitarian workers in their annual plans, urging universities to invest in humanitarian education, research, innovation and leadership development, while calling on local governments to strengthen community resilience.

On his part, Uche, who was the guest speaker called for the strengthening of humanitarian ethics and values in Nigeria, saying the country needed humanitarianism more than ever.

Uche said corruption represented one of the highest forms of inhumanity because resources meant for roads, schools, hospitals and other public services were often diverted from the people they were intended to benefit.

“Corruption is at the height of inhumanity. Those who engage in corruption are committing a crime against human dignity,” he said.

He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies to treat corruption not merely as the theft of public funds, but as an act that directly undermined human welfare and dignity.

He said humanitarianism should not be reduced to political patronage or the distribution of items during election periods.

The don also called for humanitarian studies to be incorporated into the education curriculum, particularly in schools and tertiary institutions, arguing that early exposure to humanitarian values could help address bullying, violence and other forms of inhumanity.

“There is a need, therefore, that we should have the courage of introducing this curriculum and have professional development in this area,” he said.

The professor also advocated stronger social protection measures, universal healthcare, reliable employment support and student assistance programmes, while calling for transparency and accountability in the implementation of government policies.

He criticised the diversion or hoarding of humanitarian materials meant for vulnerable communities, describing such practices as “inhumanity” that should be condemned.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion and former Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, commended the management of IHSD for its work in promoting humanitarian education and developing people who could contribute to humanitarian activities across the country.

Yero said the institute had over the years graduated students who returned to their communities to continue humanitarian activities.

“Over the years, the institute has been graduating students and some go back home and continue with their activities,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to support the growth of the institute, noting that much of humanitarian action occurred at the local government and community levels.

According to him, stronger partnerships with communities were necessary to ensure that humanitarian interventions reached those who needed them most.

“Most humanitarian activities are based at the local government level, so there should be partnership with our communities to see how we can go down and reach the people,” Yero said.

He also called on IHSD to expand its operations to more states to enable more Nigerians to benefit from its programmes and humanitarian training.