The Federal Government has tasked the National Humanitarian Coordination Technical Working Group (NHCTWG) and stakeholders to develop a robust methodology for the development of a National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) policy.

Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, made the call at the Fifth National Humanitarian Coordination Technical Working Group (NHCTWG) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

The Minister recalled that on Feb. 24, 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the constitution of a National Humanitarian Coordination Committee (NHCC) to oversee all humanitarian actions in the country.

She said the committee was charged with providing the national vision for humanitarian actions and advising on coordination between the security services and humanitarian actors.

“However, the NHCC set up this TWG as a multi-sectoral committee to serve as its engine room and to provide technical support to the National Humanitarian Coordination Committee (NHCC).

“It is also to provide a platform for stakeholders in the humanitarian space to interrogate all humanitarian operations, and emerging issues and ensure seamless response and application of best practices.

“This fifth meeting will inter alia focus primarily on updates on National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) after its approval by Federal Executive Council on 1st September 2021.

“I, therefore, charge stakeholders to exchange ideas and views and agree on the most robust methodology towards the development of actionable NAP for the implementation of the IDP policy,” Farouq stressed.

According to her, this will go a long way to activate a process of closing the gap in the coordination and management of IDPs in the country.
“Therefore, your expert contributions are highly desired and would be very much appreciated. I wish you all successful deliberations”.

While Farouq was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Ali Grema, represented Sani-Gwarzo.

Also speaking, Deputy Head of Office, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), Esty Sutyoko, said the UN would continue to support the ministry in delivering its mandate.

“It is a thing of joy to see that the ministry is championing the humanitarian course.

“We will continue to contribute our quota to see that the Ministry attain its vast mandate, which includes effective coordination of national and international human development.

“Insecurity in the North East and other parts of the country have been disrupting life systems and social services.

“In these critical times, as an international organisation, UN-OCHA and other organisations will continue to provide the needed support.

“We have reiterated our commitment to stand by Nigeria and support her actions towards providing humanitarian needs. Thus, it is necessary for us to improve our collaboration,” Sutyoko. said.

The event was attended by Civil Society Organisations, International Non-Governmental Organisations, the military and other relevant stakeholders in the humanitarian sector.