Tinubu Minister Rejects Accusation Of Abandoning Disaster Zones
As public frustration grows over the federal government’s handling of humanitarian crises across Nigeria, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has pushed back against accusations of neglect and political bias.
The minister insisted that his ministry is acting decisively and equitably in addressing national emergencies.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Yilwatda responded to growing scrutiny, especially from stakeholders in the North Central region, including the APC Forum, who accuse him of abandoning his home state, Plateau.
“It’s unfair to say I’ve turned my back on Plateau. I’ve personally visited Bokkos, Riyom, and other affected areas. But I cannot prioritise one state over the entire nation,” he said, stressing that national responsibility must take precedence over local politics.
He addressed accusations that the ministry’s interventions have been slow or insufficient in areas like Niger and Benue explaining that in disaster-hit Elbe-Embata, Benue State, a coordinated response plan worth ₦6.7 billion was developed, following detailed needs assessments.
“In the Elbe-Embata community of Benue State, we carried out a proper needs assessment. About 810 displaced children who are of school age, and 48 homes and several shops were destroyed.”
“The EU contributed about €1.5 million, which is roughly ₦2.7 billion, and we’ve worked closely with partners like the UN,” he said.
On the situation in Mokwa, Niger State, where compensation was promised to families of victims, Yilwatda clarified the federal government’s role saying that while they provide oversight, coordination, and support, its implementation and direct distribution are handled by state-level agencies like SEMA.
He dismissed political undertones being attached to his ministry’s interventions, calling such assumptions distractions from the real humanitarian work.
“Sometimes I can’t respond the same day something happens because I have national assignments. It’s not time for politics yet. We’re talking about people’s lives,” he said.
Concerning the growing presence of NGOs in IDP camps, Yilwatda acknowledged their critical role but emphasised the federal ministry’s mandate saying, “We don’t supervise NGOs. We coordinate efforts, verify material distribution, and ensure alignment with national plans.”
He also defended the ongoing conditional cash transfer program, stating that six million Nigerians have already benefitted under the current administration which is a significant leap from previous figures.
“In nine years before this government, only two million people received support. We’re aiming for 15 million households, with strict identity and location verification,” he said.
On concerns surrounding the integrity of the national social register, the minister maintained that the data is sourced and validated at the grassroots level.
“No system is perfect, but ours is based on community inputs and statistical indicators. We continue to update it as poverty evolves,” he said.
Tinubu Minister Rejects Accusation Of Abandoning Disaster Zones is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
