Mohamed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria has called for a collective approach to the effective implementation of strategic plans aimed at tackling humanitarian crises.
Fall pointed this out during the inauguration of the International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) 2025-2027 strategic plan and high-level discussion with Ms. Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director-General for Operations (DDGO) on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, “Having a collective strategy that helps to tackle humanitarian crisis is not only a therapy, but a path in building peace and stability across the land.
“Everyday we have seen humanitarian workers attacked. Therefore, having a collective strategy inaugurated today will not only help secure displaced persons, but ensure durable solutions to humanitarian crises”, he said.
Fall also said, “This will help restore dignity to displaced persons. It is a wake up call on government and private sectors to partner more on effective ways in tackling humanitarian crisis.”
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, speaking, congratulated IOM on the launch of the strategy, promising to work closely with the organisation to advance the successes recorded so far.
According to her, not less than 70 per cent of the vulnerable people in humanitarian crises are women and children.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said, “We have activated our family cohesion strategy. I look forward to working closely with you so that we can achieve target goals collectively.
“When we work together, a lot more of positive things can be done.”
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Sonunu, stressed the need for collaborative support from security agencies to strengthen the fight designed to end all forms of humanitarian crises.
“The launch of the 2025-2027 strategic strategy plan is a welcome development, because this strategy will support Nigeria’s long-term goals as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
“It will also help us in addressing urgent needs while focussing on sustainable solutions.
“This strategy will also empower Nigeria’s youth and youth migrants through innovative solutions, capacity and advocacy.
“In this regard, I want to assure the IOM that in the future of Nigeria’s affairs and poverty reduction efforts, we have a good partner in implementing this strategy,” Sonunu said.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, congratulated IOM for its commitment to advancing the cause of humanity, particularly in relation to migration management, material resource and sustainable development.
According to him, the unveiling of the strategic plan is good, timely, and accommodative.
Musa added that the inauguration of the strategic plan reflects a forward-looking posture and testifies to the nation’s readiness to align with contemporary global realities.
“As IOM unveils its strategy today, let me assure you that we stand ready to deepen cooperation with your organisation. For us, when you succeed, we make our job a lot easier.
“We believe that through constructive partnership, we can build a future where migration is safe, orderly and dignified, while also ensuring that security and development are mutually reinforced,” Musa said.
The event featured goodwill message from acting Governor of Katsina, Faruk Lawal-Jobe, Deputy Governor of Borno, Umar Kadafur, the IOM Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa and unveiling of the strategic plan.
NAN
