Mr Mohamed Fall, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria to achieve its 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP).
Fall disclosed this in his remarks during the unveiling of the 2026 Nigeria HNRP for Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states, organised by the United Nations Nigeria, on Thursday in Abuja.
The introduction of the 2026 HNRP underscored the need for coordinated action to save and protect lives through humanitarian action led by the Nigerian government, supported by national organisations and international partners.
According to him, the UN internationally-led humanitarian assistance is ending in Nigeria, saying the next phase belongs to the country.
Fall said, “It belongs to the national institution.It belongs to the state authorities.It belongs to the civil society and it belongs to the community themselves.
“The transition of the humanitarian operation in Nigeria to be more nationally-led and resourced also is at the heart of the 2026 humanitarian ministerial responsibility.”
He expressed gratitude to Dr Bernard Doro, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction,for the ministry’s strong partnership with the humanitarian community, adding, domestic resources are being mobilised to achieve targets.
“Government’s leadership and investment are critical for successful transition.
“ As humanitarian partner, our focus will be on strengthening capacity of our national partner in coordination, planning, financing, and delivering humanitarian assistance.
“Nigeria is a country which is rich in resources, but which is also rich in capacity.
“Federal and State governments are showcasing leadership at national level,and community-based organisations are working at the centre of the humanitarian response.
“They bring trust, they guarantee access, and they guarantee continuity of service. Women-led organisations are shaping priorities, and communities also are working to find solutions.
“Our role is clear. We will continue to support life-saving action.We will defend the humanitarian principle.We will place protection at the centre of what we are doing. We will uphold the promises of leaving no one behind.
“We will invest in systems.We will strengthen partnership. We will continue to mobilize resources, but this has to be done alongside with the government of Nigeria,both at Federal, State and Local levels,” Fall said.
On his part, Doro, represented by Dr Yusuf Tanko, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, emphasised the need to adopt the model that had been practised to get a result in the North West.
According to him, over the years, humanitarian action has played a vital role in mitigating the impact of conflict, climate shocks, displacement and food security,particularly in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
Doro said, “This effort has provided life-saving support to millions of Nigerians. However, under the New Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, it is clear that humanitarian response must not remain as an end to itself.
“Humanitarian action must serve as a bridge supporting stabilisation, restoring dignity, and enabling households and communities to move permanently out of vulnerability and poverty.
“The 2026 HNRP, therefore, represents an important shift.
“ It reflects a shared commitment to move from repeated emergency response towards prevention, resilience, recovery,and sustainable solution in alignment with national priorities and development objectives.
“The Government of Nigeria reaffirms its full leadership and ownership of humanitarian coordination and response within its territory.
“Humanitarian intervention must be aligned with national policies, strengthening government systems at Federal, State, and Local Government levels,and contribute directly to poverty reduction, social protection, and inclusive growth.”
The event focused on food insecurity and malnutrition, as well as goodwill message from Prof. Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno, Govs Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Mala Buni of Yobe, respectively.
Zulum was represented by Dr Mairo Mandara, Special Adviser and Coordinator for Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Support.
Fintri was represented by Dr Mary Paninga Executive-Chairman, Adamawa State Planning Commission, while Buni was represented by Baba Mallam Wali, Secretary to the State Government of Yobe.
Dr Susan Tanwie, Executive-Director of Siri Care Foundation and Mr Ndubisi Anyanwu, Nigeria INGO Forum (NIF) also made remarks at the gathering.
