Why Humanitarian Ministry Cannot Be Scrapped
By Hon. Prince David Yilbel Fcic,Fcp
The humanitarian developmental divide has long been a contentious debate in the international system amongst state and non state actors. Despite the recent surge in the cost, frequency, duration and severity of humanitarian crisis, humanitarian and developmental strides continue to operate in abeyance in Nigeria. The 2030 agenda for sustainable development was the outcome of an inter governmental negotiation adopted by the general assembly in September 2015 towards “leaving no one behind”. The agenda for humanity on the other hand, is a frame work of action that came out of the word humanitarian summit of May 2016, which sought to build on the commitment made in the 2030 agenda which focuses on working together differently to end humanitarian needs interlinking the 169 SDG target of 2030 agenda with the 5 responsibilities, 24 transformations and 32 core commitments of the agenda for humanity considering that, the federal ministry of humanitarian services disaster management and social development is charged with the responsibility of developing humanitarian policies and providing effective coordination for national and international interventions; ensure strategic disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and manage the formulation and implementation of fair focused social inclusion and protection programs in Nigeria.
The humanitarian development divide is nothing new. As early as the 1990s, it was argued by stakeholders that humanitarian assistants and socioeconomic developments should complement each other to be more effective. Many insisted that short term relive of urgent survival needs should not hurt long term capacity development. Pointing at the perils of institution building such as corruption amidst catastrophe and famine which fuel each other to compound economic distress and strive.
Given to the renewed hope agenda of our dear President His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the blurring lines between development and humanitarian mandate of government should not be sacrificed under the disguise of crass ineptitude and corruption that has bedeviled the humanitarian ministry since its inception by those who held sway as ministers.
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A compendium of the United Nations sustainable development goal (SDGs) for humanitarian efforts, focusing on global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change are inevitable to human existence and the renewed hope agenda namely;
Goal 1: No Poverty – eradicating poverty in all forms.
Goal 2: Zero Hunger – ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well Being – promoting healthy lives.
Goal 4: Quality Education – ensuring inclusive and equitable education.
Goal 5: Gender Equality – achieving gender equality and empowering women.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – promoting economic growth and decent work.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – reducing inequalities within and among countries.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – making cities and settlements inclusive and sustainable.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice And Strong Institutions – promoting peace and justice
Goal 17: Partnership For The Goals – strengthening global partnership.
In order for the renewed hope agenda to be succinctly achieved, parochial suggestions from certain quarters that the humanitarian ministry be scrapped ,must be utterly jettisoned. Those suggesting the abolishment of the ministry are the greatest enemies of Mr. President. Humanitarian ministry has come to stay given to the primary purpose of government which is, protection of lives, properties and welfare of the people.
Recommendations
1. Reduced allocation for humanitarian ministry.
2. Appoint a minister that has international cloud to pull all the necessary funding for humanitarian purposes.
3. A genuine humanitarian with a proven track record of humanitarian efforts spanning over a decade.
4. A person with proven integrity, transparency and a compassionate heart for humanity.
5. Possesses a unique blend of skills, traits and values to effectively address complex crises and protect human dignity.
Conclusion
With the good intention of the renewed hope agenda and the untold hardship Nigerians are going through, the humanitarian ministry is the center peace for implementing this very hope Nigerians are yearning for.
