In a significant development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully negotiated with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish humanitarian response stations nationwide.
This initiative aims to provide swift assistance to victims of disasters across the country.
Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, shared this breakthrough during discussions with Emirati government officials at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.

Edu highlighted Nigeria’s appeal to the UAE for support in addressing humanitarian crises stemming from insurgencies, particularly in the north-east, and combatting pervasive poverty in other regions.
The minister revealed that the UAE Red Crescent, equivalent to the Red Cross, is prepared to build a more resilient humanitarian response system throughout Nigeria.
Edu stated, “We have held a lot of interactions at different levels, of course, with the government of the UAE, that’s interacting with the Minister for Tolerance in the country who happens to be a brother to the President.”
Edu emphasized the discussions held with various international entities, including the World Trade Organization DG and the president of the Islamic Development Bank, focusing on humanitarian response and poverty alleviation programs to garner support for Nigeria.
Attributing humanitarian crises and poverty in Nigeria to climate change, Edu pointed out that the adverse effects have led to insurgencies and security challenges in the country.
She outlined her ministry’s role at COP28, stating, “to see how we can be part of the climate change adaptation, to get support to provide jobs for people to lift them out of poverty, to key into the Paris Agreement.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, expressed Nigeria’s determination to advocate for positions beneficial to the country and its people at COP28.
He highlighted the impact of climate change on Nigeria, attributing it to the actions of the developed world responsible for most greenhouse emissions.
Lawal underscored the focus on adaptation, mitigation, and the critical issue of loss and damage at this year’s conference.
He commended the determination of the current president of COP and anticipated positive outcomes for Nigeria, echoing President Bola Tinubu’s expressed sentiments at the event.
As COP28 progresses, Nigeria is poised to present its perspectives on climate change effects and remediation, aligning with its commitment to address the challenges posed by environmental shifts.
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