Amid mounting criticism over government response to humanitarian crises across Nigeria, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has defended the ministry’s actions and highlighted ongoing relief efforts, particularly in disaster-stricken areas like Benue, Niger, Plateau, and Mokwa.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Yilwatda stated that the ministry conducted a thorough needs assessment in Benue State’s Elbe-Embata community, where over 3,100 people were displaced.
“About 810 displaced children are of school age, and 48 homes and several shops were destroyed,” Yolwatda stated. A comprehensive humanitarian and peace-building plan was developed, with a ₦6.7 billion budget. “The European Union contributed €1.5 million, roughly ₦2.7 billion, toward this plan,” he revealed.
“We’ve visited every affected community, conducted assessments, and engaged partners including the UN and EU to provide coordinated responses,” he said.
Responding to criticisms from the North Central APC Forum alleging negligence of Plateau State, his home state, Yilwatda insisted he had not neglected the region. “I was in Bokkos, Riyom, and other affected LGAs several times. We engaged youth groups, traditional rulers, and visited the communities,” he said, adding, “I cover the entire nation and must prioritise national over local concerns.”
He dismissed claims that personal political rivalries influenced his actions. “Sometimes I can’t respond the same day something happens because I have national assignments,” he said.
On speculation about a gubernatorial ambition, the Yelwatda deflected, saying, “It’s not time for politics yet. We’re talking about people’s lives.”
Regarding the situation in Niger State, particularly Mokwa, where victims were reportedly promised one million naira per life lost, he clarified that the federal government collaborates with state-level agencies. “We work in coordination with SEMA and others. Distribution and oversight lie primarily with the state,” he said.
On allegations that NGOs provide most of the water and aid at IDP camps, he explained the federal ministry’s role, “We provide coordination, not supervision. We ensure proper material distribution and engage NGOs, sub-nationals, and embassies to serve those in need.”
Addressing the conditional cash transfer program, he said six million Nigerians had already benefited since the current administration assumed office. “In nine years before now, only two million had benefited. Our goal is to reach 15 million households,” he said, noting that each beneficiary must be verified with location, contact, and identification data.
He also clarified concerns about the credibility of the social register. “It’s built from community-based targeting, validated by leaders and statistical criteria. While not perfect because poverty is dynamic it reflects real needs,” he explained.
“People with disabilities are included,” he added. “There are 7.8 million persons with disabilities on the social register. We’ve ensured inclusion of women, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.”
Yilwata concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to long-term solutions, “We’re not just reacting, we’re planning agricultural support and durable recovery for displaced communities.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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