Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, has unveiled plans to tackle poverty through measurable, data-driven interventions aimed at restoring hope and improving livelihoods for vulnerable Nigerians.
Doro, who stated this during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Plateau State Council in Jos, said the ministry, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would combine humanitarian support with practical poverty reduction initiatives to achieve verifiable results.
He said the ministry would adopt a person-centred approach to addressing humanitarian challenges, particularly those affecting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and communities impacted by conflict.
According to him, humanitarian interventions will no longer be treated as acts of charity but as a right and responsibility of government, with clear systems for accountability and measurable outcomes.
The minister disclosed that one of his immediate priorities would be to meet with Executive Directors and Directors-General of agencies under the ministry to streamline their operations and eliminate duplication of functions.
He said, “Our focus is on restoring hope to those who have been displaced by ensuring that interventions reach the intended recipients — the right demographic. We are doing this by improving efficiency within the ministry and strengthening collaboration among all relevant agencies.”
“We will remove any overlap of roles and ensure synergy among agencies. The Refugee Commission, for instance, will be strengthened to directly impact the lives of displaced persons and vulnerable households”.
Doro linked most humanitarian challenges in the country to insecurity and lack of sustainable livelihood opportunities, noting that the government’s response would combine humanitarian aid with poverty reduction programmes.
He acknowledged that more than 60 percent of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, saying the administration is committed to reversing that trend through targeted empowerment and social protection schemes.
“At the end of our tenure, we want to present verifiable data showing what we have achieved in reducing poverty levels. Our goal is to scale up interventions, provide capital support to those at the bottom of the economic ladder, and promote a welfare system that truly lifts people out of poverty,” he said.
The minister also pledged to run an open and transparent ministry that welcomes scrutiny from journalists and civil society organisations, adding that accountability begins with conversation and progress thrives on partnership.
Reaffirming his Plateau roots, Doro said the state would serve as a model for inclusive humanitarian action, demonstrating how diversity and resilience can be turned into national strength through compassionate governance.
“Together, we will show that Plateau can lead the way in humanitarian leadership and social inclusion. This appointment is not mine alone — it is ours,” he stated.
In her remarks, Chairman of the NUJ Plateau State Council, Mrs Ayuku Pwaspo, commended the minister for his humility and openness, describing his visit as a significant step toward sustained collaboration between the media and the ministry.
“We believe this will be the beginning of continuous engagement between your ministry and the media. Our members are committed to promoting your ministry’s activities and showcasing your efforts to the public,” she emphasized.
Mrs Pwaspo presented the minister with a souvenir from the union’s 2025 Press Week themed ‘ Plateau: What Next After the Crossroads?’ She noted that as the state turns 50 next year, journalists are united in their resolve to change the narrative and project a positive image of Plateau.
