Covid-19 Intervention: Humanitarian Minister To Account For Relief Materials

Blessing Bature-Akpakpan


The senate committee on special duties on 2020 Covid-19 intervention has invited the minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to give account of the Covid-19 intervention funds as well as relief materials received and distributed by the Ministry.

The SA Media to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze made this known in a statement in Abuja.

The Minister said the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD) was created in 2019 with the mandate to develop humanitarian policies, and provide effective coordination of national and international humanitarian interventions; ensure strategic disaster mitigation, preparedness and response; and manage the formulation and implementation of fair focused social inclusion and protection programmes in Nigeria.


Farouq said, "the Ministry received major food and none food relief materials from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and others. The distribution of the items, which was wide spread, was given to state governments according to Mr. President’s directive.

She said the incidences during the #EndSars protest however made the Ministry to consider dealing with NGOs in the subsequent distribution of this palliatives. Appendices A and B in the main presentation give details of these allocations and their distribution during this period up to 31st March.

According to her, "It is in this regard that with the advent of the Covid19 Pandemic, Mr President directed the Nigeria Customs Service to release to the Ministry all food and related items seized, for eventual distribution to the vulnerable citizens as a palliative measure. Below is a brief summary of our activities in this regard while the details are captured in the report submitted.

"In an to ensure continued response during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry experimented with the Modified School feeding Programme whereby food was tailored to be provided to households with Children in benefitting schools. This experiment was conducted in FCT, Lagos and ogun States. However, in view of some challenges this had to be suspended pending review. Summary of household covered is captured on 8 of main presentation.

"it is imperative to remind this Honourable Committee that since covid-19 activities are still on-going, the Ministry is consistently devising ways to ensure delivery of palliatives to the most vulnerable groups at all times. We shall also appreciate any suggested inputs that will ensure this is achieved".