The federal government has said inaction is not an option for humanitarian crises, as failure to address their roots will be devastating.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known on Thursday in Abuja, at the launch of the Humanitarian Supply Chain Management Partnership for Localisation Project to tackle the humanitarian crisis.
Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the initiative, which aligns with the Nigeria Localisation Framework, seeks to empower local actors and leverage local resources to address the country’s growing humanitarian needs.
He said climate change and global economic crises had deepened the nation’s complex humanitarian situation, noting that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Disaster Relief Fund.
Shettima said the fund will provide immediate assistance to disaster victims nationwide, complementing the broader localisation framework.
According to him, the new initiative builds on Nigeria’s Localisation Framework, established in 2019 and aims to put national and local institutions at the forefront of humanitarian decision-making.
He said, “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.
“Local communities understand their challenges best, and by empowering them, we provide them with the tools to shape their own futures.”
Shettima added that the project represents a key component of President Tinubu’s broader strategy, focusing on human capital development and improved humanitarian responses through enhanced health outcomes, education access, and livelihood stability for affected communities.