Abuja: Mr Mohamed Fall, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving 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 efforts led by the Nigerian government, supported by national organisations and international partners.
According to him, UN-led humanitarian assistance is winding down in Nigeria, with the next phase expected to be nationally driven.
Fall said: “It belongs to the national institutions. It belongs to the state authorities. It belongs to civil society, and it belongs to the communities themselves.
“The transition of humanitarian operations in Nigeria to being more nationally led and resourced 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 that domestic resources are being mobilised to achieve targets.
*“Government leadership and investment are critical for a successful transition.
“As a humanitarian partner, our focus will be on strengthening the capacity of our national partners in coordination, planning, financing, and delivering humanitarian assistance.
“Nigeria is a country rich in resources, but also rich in capacity.
“Federal and state governments are showcasing leadership at the national level, and community-based organisations are working at the centre of the humanitarian response.
“They bring trust, guarantee access, and ensure continuity of service. Women-led organisations are shaping priorities, and communities are working to find solutions.
“Our role is clear. We will continue to support life-saving action. We will defend humanitarian principles. We will place protection at the centre of our work. We will uphold the promise of leaving no one behind.
“We will invest in systems, strengthen partnerships, and continue to mobilise resources — but this must be done alongside the Government of Nigeria, at federal, state, and local levels.”*
On his part, Doro, represented by Dr Yusuf Tanko, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, emphasised the need to adopt models that have proven effective in the North West.
He noted that over the years, humanitarian action has played a vital role in mitigating the impact of conflict, climate shocks, displacement, and food insecurity, 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 an end in 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 responses towards prevention, resilience, recovery, and sustainable solutions 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, strengthen government systems at federal, state, and local levels, and contribute directly to poverty reduction, social protection, and inclusive growth.”*
The event also focused on food insecurity and malnutrition, with goodwill messages delivered by Prof. Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno; Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa; and Gov. Mala Buni of Yobe.
Zulum was represented by Dr Mairo Mandara, Special Adviser and Coordinator for Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Support. Fintiri was represented by Dr Mary Paninga, Executive Chairman of the 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 of the Nigeria INGO Forum (NIF) also made remarks at the gathering.