By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Government has launched the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Distribution in Zamfara State to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), vulnerable households and crisis-affected communities.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is part of ongoing efforts to cushion the impact of insecurity and economic hardship in affected regions.
Representing the Honourable Minister, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Hon. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, said the intervention underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering timely assistance to those in dire need.
He conveyed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising citizens’ welfare under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, Nigeria currently hosts over 6.7 million IDPs and more than 140,000 refugees, returnees, migrants and asylum seekers, with Zamfara accounting for over 298,000 displaced persons due to insecurity and communal conflicts.
Ahmed noted that the Ministry’s mandate goes beyond emergency relief to include poverty reduction, resilience building and sustainable recovery.
He further disclosed that the NCFRMI has resettled over 400 displaced persons in Gusau through a purpose-built community equipped with housing, healthcare facilities, schools, security infrastructure and livelihood support services.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, represented by the Director of General Services, Auwalu Isa Gwangwazo, said the programme aligns with reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, expanding the national social register and improving last-mile delivery to verified beneficiaries.
Also speaking, Governor Dauda Lawal assured continued collaboration with the Federal Government to ensure equitable and effective distribution of relief materials across the state.
The flag-off ceremony attracted government officials, traditional rulers and stakeholders in the humanitarian sector.