On Wednesday, the Federal Government asserted that eliminating poverty in Nigeria would significantly cut the prevailing insecurity rates by more than half.
The declaration came from Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in Abuja. She was addressing the topic while discussing the potential role of the Nigerian Air Force in transporting relief goods and essentials to Nigeria’s less accessible regions.
During a formal visit to Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, at the Nigerian Air Force’s central office, she expressed these views. The ministry confirmed this interaction in an official statement.
Edu pinpointed poverty as a primary driver of the security challenges and humanitarian issues Nigeria faces. She emphasized, “If we successfully tackle poverty, we will be resolving over half of our security problems. We seek your help in reaching these remote locations.”
She underscored to Abubakar how instrumental the Nigerian Airforce would be for her department’s mission to deliver humanitarian assistance throughout Nigeria.
The minister requested support for transporting humanitarian staff and relief goods to distant areas and also evacuating Nigerians from high-risk zones, both domestically and internationally.
She highlighted, “Given the current situation, many individuals are displaced or refugees and desperately need aid. Yet, reaching them is a challenge due to safety concerns on the roadways. Your support is crucial in ensuring they receive the necessary assistance.”
Edu also committed to including families of fallen service members in her ministry’s poverty relief efforts and asked for air force officers to be stationed at her ministry to streamline communications.
Abubakar, reciprocating the sentiments, assured the Nigerian Air Force’s full cooperation with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to address the nation’s pressing humanitarian issues.
He noted, “Our joint efforts underline our mutual dedication to aiding our citizens during challenging times.” Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the country’s humanitarian issues, Abubakar said, “Our nation grapples with challenges arising from conflict, natural disasters, and displacement. To effectively address these, a unified strategy, leveraging the strengths of multiple agencies, is essential. We pledge our unwavering support.”
