By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nigeria has been commended by the United Nations for taking “important steps” which encourage humanitarian support and “improve access to people in need” in the North East ravaged by insurgency.
UN Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock, praised the development when he briefed the UN Security Council.
“I am pleased to report we have had constructive engagements in recent days with the Nigerian authorities, and the Government has taken important steps to improve access to people in need, which we look forward to building on further,” he said.
Lowcock had earlier stated that “in North East Nigeria, as we told you … violence by extremist non-state armed groups is largely responsible for driving up humanitarian need.”
International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) had complained about their inability to distribute relief materials in parts of the North East, especially in remote areas of Borno State cornered up by Boko Haram.
To ensure effective access to vital food supplies, the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, the National Security Adviser and members of the National Humanitarian Coordination Committee took the matter to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari mandated Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to work with the committee, North East governors, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and service chiefs to resolve the matter in conjunction with INGOs operating in the region.
Osinbajo held meetings with the governors, other government agencies, and INGOs, which led to a renewed and coordinated effort for a better template that supports INGOs and offers a more secure access to the danger zones.