FG Proposes Humanitarian Trust Fund to Tackle Poverty, Seeks Support from Faith Leaders, Donors
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has called for the establishment of a Humanitarian Trust Fund to drive sustainable poverty reduction efforts and expand support for vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
The proposal was put forward by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard M. Doro, during a meeting with the Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, and a delegation of clergy at his office in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and signed by Janet McDickson Noah, the minister stressed that addressing poverty at scale requires innovative funding mechanisms beyond government resources.
Speaking during the engagement, Doro underscored the urgency of mobilising broader support to tackle poverty holistically.
“Looking at poverty issues holistically, it is a task that requires enormous resources. Government alone cannot fund this; hence the need for a Humanitarian Trust Fund,” he said.
He called on development partners, philanthropists, and stakeholders to collaborate with the government in building a sustainable funding framework capable of delivering measurable outcomes.
“We must find creative ways of sourcing funds to help vulnerable Nigerians exit poverty and become economically viable,” the minister added.
Doro also highlighted ongoing reforms within the ministry, including the development of a unified framework known as the “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Reduction System,” aimed at creating structured pathways for beneficiaries to achieve self-reliance and live with dignity.
He commended religious leaders for their continued role in supporting vulnerable communities and fostering social cohesion, noting that partnerships with faith-based institutions remain critical to achieving national development goals.
“Religious leaders have been instrumental in supporting government efforts and encouraging the vulnerable to believe in themselves and in the system,” he noted.
The minister further reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improving citizens’ welfare, urging all stakeholders to contribute to humanitarian efforts.
In his remarks, Archbishop Kaigama emphasized the scale of hardship faced by many Nigerians, particularly in rural communities, and expressed readiness to partner with the government.
“We meet many people in villages who are in dire need to survive. That informed our decision to come and engage with the government, because we can only do a portion,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between religious institutions and government agencies to expand outreach and impact, while also offering prayers for the ministry and the nation.
The proposed Humanitarian Trust Fund, if established, is expected to provide a structured platform for mobilising resources, enhancing coordination, and delivering long-term solutions to poverty and humanitarian challenges across the country.
