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Humanitarian Crises:  Why Nigeria Needs Collective Response – UN Rep, Fall  … Identifies Obstacles, Solutions to Humanitarian Interventions 

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2 years ago

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Humanitarian Crises:
 Why Nigeria Needs Collective Response – UN Rep, Fall
… Identifies Obstacles, Solutions to Humanitarian Interventions
Mohamed Malick Fall is the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. In this exclusive interview, he speaks on the need for a collective response to humanitarian crises in Nigeria, obstacles to humanitarian interventions, and the work of the United Nations, among others. UN OCHA Nigeria’s Head of Public Information, Ann Weru, and Public Information Officer, Dr. Chike Walter Duru, were there.
Excerpts:
What are the types of humanitarian issues in Nigeria?
Different types of crises exist in Nigeria; some are linked to conflict and insecurity; there are those that are triggered by insurgency in the north-east, some are linked to intercommunal violence, herders/farmers clashes, abductions, kidnapping, banditry, prevalent in many parts of the country.
In addition, Nigeria has a certain level of climate vulnerability. Sometimes, drought; sometimes, floods; sometimes heat wave, that impact the wellbeing of people and sometimes trigger the movement of people, loss of property or loss of livelihood and they exacerbate the hardship that the people are facing.
How the UN is responding to the challenges
The UN has a two-fold response. One is the humanitarian response, which, to me, is guided by the principle of saving lives and reducing vulnerabilities; helping people, not only to get back on their feet, but also to have hope that they can have a better future.
The second component is the one that tackles the root causes of these crises. Most of those root causes are linked to deficits of development, lack of basic services, lack of livelihoods, lack of skills for young people and lack of access to employment. Those require much deeper action, which is building, not only on UN humanitarian intervention, but also on development-related activities, which will be looking at short, mid and long-term projects for the development of those people.
What are the obstacles to humanitarian interventions in Nigeria?
We have several of them.
The biggest one is access, and sometimes, access is hampered by insecurity. There are many parts of the country without free and safe access because of the high level of insecurity that is still prevailing. This is valid for the north-east, where, despite all the efforts to push against the insurgency, you still see attacks like the recent ones in Konduga and Gwoza, which are sad reminders that it is not yet over. You have also insecurity prevailing in many other parts of the country.
Sometimes, access to the people in need is also difficult.
Funding gaps are also an issue, because, as you know, the world is overstretched by humanitarian challenges. For instance, we have gone past half of the year, but this year’s Nigerian Humanitarian Response Plan is funded below 50 per cent. We launched in May 2024, a Lean Season Plan, which targeted to address the most urgent needs of people affected by food insecurity and malnutrition, but we are in the peak of the lean season, and we have not even reached 30 per cent of the funding we need. If you look at humanitarian funding year by year, you will see that it is declining. The level of response from the donor community is getting lower because of the competing developments across the world. The wars in Gaza, Sudan, and other regions have completely changed the funding landscape for humanitarian response.
What further challenges are militating against this conflict?
The challenge of funding
There is a cost of doing nothing. People always look at things from the point of the cost of doing something. Let me take one example. In the Lean Season Plan, we are looking at addressing severe food insecurity and malnutrition. Today, look at the number of children that are malnourished. The survival of hundreds of thousands of severely acutely malnourished children and those at risk depends on urgent interventions.
In the Lean Season Plan, there is a projection of 230,000 children at risk of severe acute malnutrition during the lean season in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, alone. Their survival depends on the steps taken against the challenge.
The cost of inaction is that life is on the line. Children that survive acute malnutrition, from the fragile health conditions they have, may also face growth and development challenges throughout their lives. The cost of inaction is very expensive.
Way forward
What are the solutions to these challenges ?
I see several solutions around these challenges.
For funding, more innovative funding solutions are required. We must no longer rely on western countries as traditional donors.
A country like Nigeria is not poor. It is among the three biggest economies in Africa. It is increasingly urgent for the Government to allocate its own resources to the humanitarian response.
We also need to be more creative and see how we can make our humanitarian operations more efficient and more effective. There are many directions that need to be explored.
International Laws
Wherever you see conflict and war, it means that there are parties that do not believe in dialogue and in peaceful settlement of disputes.
For instance, the insurgents believe in extreme violence and terrorist actions. This is not peculiar to Nigeria. In the world, there are many wars taking place. Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and these are coming on top of previous crises. You have Somalia and Syria. The notion that any difference should be settled through arms and through guns amounts to pushing back on the principles of international laws. Many of the parties to conflict do not respect nor respond to the call of international humanitarian law.
In what ways does the UN support displaced people and the most vulnerable?
Whenever you see a crisis, those that pay the highest prices are the most vulnerable – the women, children, older persons, people living with disabilities, and that is why we prioritise them in our interventions. There are provisions in our interventions that prioritize the protection of children. There are also provisions that specially protect women from grave violations of their rights and from sexual violence. The rights of people living with disabilities are also protected.
For me, the humanitarian space is one of the few spaces where humanity has its expression. It is a place where you see actors daily, risking their lives to go and save lives, reduce vulnerability, protect and help people get back on their feet. It is also a space where you see host communities that are lacking in everything sharing the little, they have with people who are suffering or displaced. It is a place where you see Government and non-state actors getting together, to reduce vulnerability and save the lives of people. The work of humanitarians saving lives etc. has just one name – humanity prevailing.
Message for stakeholders
What we need to reduce the humanitarian needs in the world is for the people to go back to the principle of humanity.
If we act on preventing conflict, stopping conflicts, we will take away a huge number of people in humanitarian need.
At the same time, humanitarian needs are not only triggered by conflict; unfortunately, the way we treat our planet; the way we treat our ecosystems, the way we respond to the climate crisis that we are facing are also important issues.
We also have increased poverty and deeper inequalities. All of these are among the factors that trigger human suffering.
How do address these issues?
We need to address conflict, increased poverty, the climate crisis, and inequalities. If world leaders continue to push to address these issues and more, we will see a better world.
Members of the public should support humanitarian action. They should understand that it is not about humanitarian organisations and workers alone. It is about the entire society. The call here is the expression of humanity. It is a call to every human being. It takes mobilization, commitment, awareness for every one of us to be part of that humanity.
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General News

Dukku, Dukkawa Farmers’ Cooperative in Niger state seeks govt intervention over a land dispute

Published

6 days ago

on

April 8, 2026

By

, Mr James Sambo Duku,

BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

A group of farmers under the Dukku, Dukkawa Farmers’ Cooperative in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State has called for urgent intervention over a land dispute that is causing growing tension in the area.

In a petition signed by the spokesman of the group Farmers and made available to journalists in Minna, Mr James Sambo Duku,alleged that the District Head of Duku Alhaji Attahiru Garba Duku threatened to eliminate him if he continued to farm on the farmland.

The cooperative, which has over 150 members from Nafsi, Tungan Rimi, Danzugu, Anguwan Kuku, and Anguwan Dawudu Fara villages, said the land in question belongs to its members and is located in Nafsi village under Dukku District.

According to the farmers, the land was many years ago given temporarily to Fulani settlers by the late district head, Abdullahi Danbauchi, with the agreement of the landowners. The aim was to accommodate visitors and non-indigenes in the community.

However, due to rising cases of kidnapping in the area, the Fulani settlers were later asked to leave, and they reportedly did so peacefully.

The farmers explained that after the settlers left, they informed the current district head, Alhaji Attah Garba, of their plan to return to their land. They said they were surprised when the district head allegedly gave the same land to another group from the Gungawa community in Yauri, Kebbi State, for three years starting from 2021.

The matter was later reported to the Emir of Kontagora, who advised the farmers to remain patient until the three-year agreement expired.

In 2024, after the agreement ended, the cooperative wrote to the Niger State Government, which set up a committee to investigate the issue. The committee visited the land and gathered information.

In 2025, the farmers said they were told by the ward councillor, Haruna Addo, that they could return to their land. However, they were also informed that part of the land had been allocated to the district head without their consent.

The situation became worse in August 2025 when some farmers claimed they found individuals from the Gungawa community spraying chemicals on their crops. This led to a confrontation, which was later controlled before it turned violent.

The cooperative reported the matter to authorities in Yauri, where the Gungawa farmers allegedly presented a document claiming they were given the land for another year after making payment.

The Dukku farmers say this development has increased anger and tension among their members. They warned that if urgent action is not taken, the situation could lead to serious conflict between the communities.

The cooperative is now calling on the National Human Rights Commission to step in and help resolve the matter peacefully.

Chairman of the cooperative, James Sambo, urged authorities to act quickly to prevent loss of lives and restore peace in the area.

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General News

Gov. Fubara Visits Gas Emission Site in Bille Kingdom, Donates ₦100 Million

Published

2 weeks ago

on

April 2, 2026

By

Gov Fubara fielding questions from journalists during the projects inspection

By George Mgbeleke

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as efforts intensify to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.

In a statement by Head Information and Public Relations Unit
Office of Secretary to the State Government,Juliana Masia, during the working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Governor Fubara reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the Governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs. These include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ₦100 million as palliative support for the affected community.

According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.

The Governor assured residents that the state government will not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.

He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.

Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo expressed joy over the State visit as he described Governor Fubara as a leader who listens to te plight of the people.

He urged the Governor to critically look into the gass emission he described as dangerous to human health.

“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.

“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health’, he stressed.

The Governor also inspected some affected areas.

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Business & Economy

*HallowMace Africa and Partners Announce First Stage Results For July 2026 National Legislative Awards*

Published

2 weeks ago

on

April 1, 2026

By

*Abuja, Nigeria, April 1st, 2026.* HallowMace Africa, a leading media and advocacy organisation dedicated to promoting legislative accountability and excellence, has officially released the results of the first stage of voting for its highly anticipated July 2026 National Legislative Awards.

Following an intensive initial voting phase, Nigerians, in collaboration with the National Assembly Press Corps, have successfully nominated a distinguished list of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives. These nominees represent the pinnacle of legislative performance across the nation’s six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory.

The first stage of voting saw robust participation from citizens and accredited press corps members, who evaluated lawmakers based on legislative impact, constituency representation, and public service delivery.

*List Of Outstanding Nominees By Geo-Political Zone:*

*SOUTH EAST*

*Abia:* Sen. Enyinnaya Abariba (Senate); Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Reps)

*Anambra:* Sen. Victor Umeh (Senate); Hon. Dominic Okafor (Reps)

*Ebonyi:* Sen. Peter Nwaebonyi (Senate); Hon. Nkemkanma Kama (Reps)

*Enugu:* Sen. Osita Ngwu (Senate); Hon. John Nnolim (Reps)

*Imo:* Sen. Osita Izunaso (Senate); Hon. Chike Okafor (Reps)

*SOUTH SOUTH*

*Akwa Ibom:* Sen. Godswill Akpabio (Senate); Hon. Patrick Umoh-Ikor (Reps)

*Bayelsa:* Sen. Seriake Dickson (Senate); Hon. Frederick Agbedi (Reps)

*Delta:* Sen. Ned Nwoko (Senate); Hon. Francis Waive (Reps)

*Edo:* Sen. Adams Oshiomole (Senate); Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (Reps)

*Cross River:* Sen. Asuquo Elpenyong (Senate); Hon. Michael Etaba (Reps)

*Rivers:* Sen. Harry Banigo (Senate); Hon. Inombek Awaji-Abiante (Reps)

*SOUTH WEST*

*Ekiti:* Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (Senate); Hon. Akor Rotimi (Reps)

*Lagos:* Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (Senate); Hon. Babajimi Benson (Reps)

*Ogun:* Sen. Solomon Olamilekan (Senate); Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim (Reps)

*Ondo:* Sen. Emmanuel Ipimsagba Olajide (Senate); Hon. Donald Ojogo (Reps)

*Osun:* Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (Senate); Hon. Oluwole Oke (Reps)

*Oyo:* Sen. Abdulfattah Buhari (Senate); Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe (Reps)

*NORTH CENTRAL*

*Kwara:* Sen. Saliu Mustapha (Senate); Hon. Muktar Shagaya (Reps)

*Benue:* Sen. Abba Moro (Senate); Hon. Terseer Ugbor (Reps)

*Niger:* Sen. Sani Musa (Senate); Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (Reps)

*Kogi:* Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduanghan (Senate); Hon. Leke Abejide (Reps)

*Nasarawa:* Sen. Aliyu Wadada (Senate); Hon. Jonathan G. Gaza (Reps)

*Plateau:* Sen. Diket Plang (Senate); Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Reps)

*NORTH EAST*

*Adamawa:* Sen. Abass Aminu Iya (Senate); Hon. Laori K. Bitrus (Reps)

*Bauchi:* Sen. Abdul Ninji (Senate); Hon. Manu Soro Mansur (Reps)

*Borno:* Sen. Muhammed Monguno (Senate); Hon. Ahmadu Usman Jaha (Reps)

*Gombe:* Sen. Muhammed Danjuma Goje (Senate); Hon. Bello Usman Kumo (Reps)

*Taraba:* Sen. David Jumkuta (Senate); Hon. Jaafara Yakubu (Reps)

*Yobe:* Sen. Ahmad Lawan (Senate); Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba-Ibrahim (Reps)

*NORTH WEST*

*Jigawa:* Sen. Hussaini Babangida Uba (Senate); Hon. Hassan Fulata (Reps)

*Kaduna:* Sen. Sunday Katung (Senate); Hon. Shehu Agilo (Reps)

*Kano:* Sen. Jubil Barau (Senate); Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Reps)

*Katsina:* Sen. Abdulazeez Musa Yar’Adua (Senate); Hon. Sada Soli (Reps)

*Kebbi:* Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate); Hon. Bello Kaoje (Reps)

*Sokoto:* Sen. Amimu Waziri Tambuwal (Senate); Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (Reps)

*Zamfara:* Sen. Bilbis Aliyu Ikra (Senate); Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji (Reps)

*FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY*

*FCT:* Sen. Ireti Kingibe (Senate); Hon. Ajiya Abdulrahman (Reps)

*Next Stage of Voting*
With the first stage concluded, the competition now enters a critical phase. The goal is to identify one Most Outstanding Senator and one Most Outstanding House of Representatives member per geo-political zone.

In the upcoming second stage, the current list of nominees will be narrowed down to a final three (3) nominees per zone. These top three finalists will then advance to the final voting stage, where the ultimate winner for each geo-political zone will be determined.

*“The massive participation we witnessed in the first stage is a testament to the growing interest of Nigerians in legislative accountability,” said Amb. Anderson Osiebe, Executive Director, HallowMace Africa. “As we proceed to the next stage, we urge the public to remain engaged. We are committed to a transparent process that celebrates the lawmakers who truly exemplify service to the people.”*

*Voting links and timelines for the next stage is as follows:*
thenationallegislativeawards@gmail.com

The voting commences immediately using the above email, *also this voting timeline shall expire on the 14th day of April 2026 by 11:59pm.*

The National Legislative Awards 2026 is Powered by HallowMace Africa in partnership with International Goodwill Ambassador Club, ERGAF Africa, Isabella Ayuk Foundation and many others.

*About HallowMace Africa*
HallowMace Africa is a non-governmental organization focused on promoting democratic values, legislative excellence, and civic engagement across the African continent.

*Media Contact:*
Amb. Oguh Hyginus John
*Head of Public Communications Desk*
HallowMace Africa

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