The federal government has proposed the creation of a Humanitarian Trust Fund as part of efforts to drive sustainable poverty reduction and improve the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard M. Doro, made the call on Thursday in Abuja, during a courtesy visit by the Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, alongside a delegation of priests.
Doro said addressing poverty in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and well-funded approach, noting that government resources alone are insufficient to meet the scale of the challenge.
He stressed the need for innovative funding mechanisms, including contributions from development partners and philanthropists, to support long-term humanitarian interventions.
“We need a Humanitarian Trust Fund that is sustainable and capable of delivering measurable results, not just for poverty reduction but also for the overall growth of the nation’s economy,” the minister said.
According to him, the proposed fund would serve as a strategic platform to mobilise resources aimed at lifting vulnerable populations out of poverty and enabling them to become economically productive.
Doro also highlighted plans by the ministry to introduce a coordinated intervention framework known as the “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Reduction System” programme, designed to provide targeted support and help beneficiaries achieve self-reliance.
He commended religious leaders for their continued role in supporting vulnerable communities and fostering trust between citizens and government institutions.
The minister added that the Tinubu administration remains committed to improving the welfare of all Nigerians.
Earlier, Archbishop Kaigama said the church frequently encounters people in dire need, particularly in rural communities, which informed the delegation’s visit to the ministry.
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“We meet many people in villages who struggle daily to survive. That is why we came to explore areas where the government can complement our efforts, as we can only do so much,” he said.
The cleric called for stronger collaboration between the government and religious institutions to expand support for vulnerable groups across the country.
The visit concluded with prayers for the success of the ministry’s initiatives and for national development.
