Tinubu approves establishment of New disaster relief fund – Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Disaster Relief Fund to strengthen Nigeria’s humanitarian response system.

Shettima made this known at the launch of the Humanitarian Supply Chain Management – Partnership for Localisation Project, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Vice-President was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia.

READ ALSO:Police debunk report of gunmen invading TCN facility

The Vice-President explained that the fund would provide immediate assistance to disaster victims nationwide with a view to complementing the broader localization framework.

“Inaction is simply not an option, and the cost of failing to address these crises at their roots will be devastating.

“Localisation is not merely about placing local actors at the centre of humanitarian efforts; it is the key to a more inclusive, resilient future for Nigeria,” the VP said.

Shettima said the initiative, which aligns with the Nigeria Localization Framework, seeks to empower local actors and leverage local resources to address the country’s growing humanitarian needs.

READ ALSO:FG, World Bank partner to develop digital land system

He said climate change, coupled with global economic crises, has deepened the nation’s complex humanitarian situation.

Earlier, Mohammed Ahmed, Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Emergency and Logistics (Office of The Vice-President), noted the importance of a collaborative approach to humanitarian aid.

“There is a need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Government must be participatory and inclusive, ensuring that all voices from every segment of society are heard.

“Everyone is impacted by issues like climate change and conflict,” he explained.

Ahmed further noted that the project would support Nigeria’s localization framework, creating a platform to advance the agenda.

READ ALSO:Wigwe varsity VC charges new students to build foundations for future generations

“We have a lot of work to do to meet Nigeria’s targets on this,” he added.

On her part, Fritz Institute’s Project Director, Mitsuko Mizushima, said the initiative is focused on local engagement, pointing out that this project “is designed to give local people a seat at the table.”

She pointed to the growing recognition of the importance of supply chain management and the need for capacity building.

“We are bringing together international and local organizations, along with academia, to develop standardized training in supply chain management.

“Over the years, more than 25,000 people have completed this training. It’s accessible to anyone, anywhere, anytime—and it’s free,” Mizushima said.

Also, Dr. Mairo Mandara, the Chief Adviser and Coordinator to the Government of Borno State on Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Support, said localisation means responding to the needs of the people.

She noted that in Borno State, they have defined what they need “and are taking a human-centered approach to humanitarian transition into development.

“Once we remain focused on our transition plans, we cannot go wrong,” Dr Mandara emphasized.

Also, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that it has directed approximately 27 per cent of its funding to Nigerian-led organizations in a move towards indigenous control of aid operations in the country.

READ ALSO:Ondo election: INEC distributes sensitive materials 48 hours to poll

According to USAID’s Acting Deputy Mission Director, Alexis Taylor-Granados, lasting change requires partnership and collaboration.

“We have redoubled our commitment to transferring leadership to local people and institutions who are best positioned to lead change within their own countries and communities.”

On his part, Managing Director of Society for Family Health (SFH), Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, said the conversation on localization has to be looked at from the upstream and downstream sides.

“Local laws and manufacturing capacity have a big impact on localization. Nigeria has strong organizations in place to handle complex supply chain management programs.