A coalition of civil society organisations has said it will mobilise like-minded groups and individuals to protest against any planned move by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to scrap the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation saying such a move if allowed to stand 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, Coalition of Persons Living with Disabilities; Joy Elizabeth, Spokesperson, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations; and Comrade Mohammed Abbas, 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 such a decision that is capable of throwing the populace into abject poverty.
The coalition in the statement also vowed to resist any attempt to scrap the ministry, 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 condemns 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 plays a critical role 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 prioritizes the needs of its most vulnerable citizens as we are determined to mobilize 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.
