Nigeria Launches 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, Signals Shift to Resilience and Poverty Reduction

Nigeria Launches 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, Signals Shift to Resilience and Poverty Reduction

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the 2026 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), reaffirming its commitment to move beyond emergency relief toward prevention, resilience, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the launch held on Thursday at the UN House Auditorium in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, said Nigeria is at a critical turning point in its humanitarian journey and must transition from repeated crisis response to long-term solutions that reduce vulnerability and poverty.

Dr. Doro commended the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and humanitarian partners for their collaboration with the Federal Government in developing the 2026 plan and in responding to humanitarian crises across the country. He also acknowledged the leadership of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed M. Fall, and the efforts of donors, civil society organisations, and community-based actors.

According to the minister, humanitarian interventions over the years have played a crucial role in saving lives and alleviating suffering caused by conflict, displacement, climate shocks, and food insecurity, particularly in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. However, he stressed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, humanitarian assistance must serve as a pathway to recovery and sustainable development rather than a permanent solution.

“The 2026 HNRP represents a strategic shift from repeated emergency response toward prevention, resilience, recovery, and durable solutions aligned with national development priorities,” Dr. Doro said.

He emphasized that the Federal Government would continue to provide leadership in humanitarian coordination, ensuring that interventions align with national policies, strengthen government systems at all levels, and contribute directly to poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

The minister highlighted prevention and preparedness as key priorities, noting that Nigeria can no longer afford to respond only after predictable crises occur. He called for stronger early warning systems, anticipatory action, and risk-informed planning as more humane and cost-effective approaches.

Localization was also identified as a central pillar of the government’s humanitarian strategy. Dr. Doro said Nigerian institutions, civil society groups, women-led and youth-led organisations, and community structures must play a leading role in response and recovery efforts. He added that increasing direct support to local actors and ensuring accountability to affected populations would help build a nationally owned and resilient humanitarian system.

On displacement, the minister stressed the need for durable solutions, stating that humanitarian assistance should not replace governance or development. Instead, efforts must focus on restoring livelihoods, expanding access to basic services, strengthening social protection, and addressing the root causes of vulnerability, including poverty and exclusion.

Dr. Doro reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus, describing it as essential for ensuring that humanitarian investments lead to lasting improvements in people’s lives and contribute to peace and social cohesion.

As Nigeria enters a phased humanitarian transition, the government called on international partners to continue working within nationally led frameworks aligned with national priorities. The minister expressed appreciation for the support of the international community while underscoring Nigeria’s determination to lead its humanitarian and poverty reduction agenda.

He concluded by urging stakeholders to see the launch of the 2026 HNRP as a clear move from dependency to resilience, from response to prevention, and from humanitarian management to sustainable human development.

The 2026 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan outlines priority actions aimed at protecting lives, restoring dignity, and building resilient communities across the country.

Nigeria Launches 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, Signals Shift to Resilience and Poverty Reduction