Determined to partner with the Nigeria Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Development Director, British High Commission, Abuja, Dr Christopher Pycrof, has said that the UK Government will provide the ministry with support.
Dr Pycrof, on a courtesy visit to the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Betta Edu, said that the UK Governmment does not only focus on the humanitarian side but also on the development side as well.
He felt himself looking to work to provide durable solutions to Humanitarian crises in Nigeria when he said that they have a lot of expertise which he would make available to support the Ministry.
“I just like to make it absolutely clear to you that the UK Government will provide you with support,” Pycrof said. “We have a team which is focused both on the humanitarian side but also to increasingly on the development side as well.”
“We should be able to reduce that sense of separation between the need to provide lifesaving humanitarian support on the one hand,” he explained. “And then the need to provide development support on the other.”
He observed that for people to be in humanitarian need for as little time as possible, needs a holistic approach.
He thought to work with the ministry to be able to achieve sustainable livelihoods durable solutions, and then development which will benefits everybody in Nigeria.
The Development Director, who thought that the minister have got one of the most complicated jobs in government, when he said, “Not only have you got responsibility for dealing with the humanitarian situation, but the poverty alleviation agenda which means that you’re also going to be involved in financial issues, in health, agriculture, education, infrastructure and employment.”
“We are really very grateful to the UK for continuous support.” The minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Betta Edu responded, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has carefully selected his agenda to meet the needs of Nigerians in a sustainable manner.
She told the British envoy that the President’s priorities are to eradicate poverty, ensure food security, create jobs and protect the citizens of this country.
In a roundabout way of saying that the Nations and development partners must key into this agenda for better coordination and impact. Edu continued. “We are glad that you have committed to supporting the ministry we urgently require that support to make an impact.”
“The Ministry will work with other line ministries and the state Governments, Local Governments and development partners including great nations like the UK to achieve the needed results,” she announced.