The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, announced that Canada has allocated $18 million for humanitarian responses in Nigeria.
This commitment aligns with Canada’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of humanitarian aid and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.
During a visit to the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu in Abuja, Ambassador Christoff said that the Canadian Government is dedicated to providing a total of $152 million in assistance to Nigeria, with a portion designated for humanitarian response.
He said some of the general funds will be spent in Nigeria to focus on vulnerable women and young girls across the country.
The ambassador lauded the establishment of the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund, saying it is a welcome development that will aid in better coordination with the government in the driver’s seat. He noted that it would be of interest to the Canadian government.
“I am here with my team to register our support to the mandate of the President in his efforts to alleviate poverty and reduce humanitarian crises in Nigeria through your ministry,” he said.
Responding, Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, appreciated the High Commissioner’s visit and President Tinubu’s initiative, emphasizing the commitment to tackle poverty and humanitarian crises in Nigeria by 2030, aligning with the SDG target.
She assured the High Commissioner of the transparent use of the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund for emergency humanitarian responses and poverty alleviation, and encouraged all humanitarian responders to enhance their contributions to Nigeria by focusing on efficient and impactful assistance.
