By Ebi Kesiena
The United Nations (UN) and the Nigerian Government have partnered to launch the 2026 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) reaffirming a collective commitment to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to people affected by crisis in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States in North-East Nigeria.
While speaking at the UN House during the official launch of the 2026 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, HNRP on Thursday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, reiterated Nigeria commitment to transition from perpetual emergency response to a resilience-driven, prevention-focused humanitarian approach anchored on national leadership and sustainable development.
The minister noted that Nigeria is at a defining moment in its humanitarian and poverty reduction journey, stressing that while humanitarian interventions have saved millions of lives, particularly in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, they must no longer exist in isolation.
According to him, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, humanitarian action must function as a bridge to stabilization, dignity restoration and permanent exit from vulnerability and poverty.
The minister who was represented explained that the 2026 HNRP represents a significant policy shift as he called for increased support to Nigerian institutions, civil society, women-led and youth-led groups to ensure accountability and national ownership.
The minister further stressed the importance of durable solutions for displaced populations, warning that humanitarian aid must not replace governance or development.
While calling on development and humanitarian partners to strengthen investments that protect lives, restore dignity and support recovery in the conflict-impacted region, he thanked the international community for its solidarity, while affirming Nigeria’s resolve to lead a humanitarian transition that restores dignity, strengthens resilience and ensures no Nigerian is left behind.
Also, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Fall, that the HNRP will enable the timely delivery of lifesaving assistance for those most in need in Borno, Adamawa & Yobe states’’
According to him, the plan prioritises food security, healthcare, shelter, protection and education, while strengthening collaboration between humanitarian partners and government institutions to reach affected communities swiftly and effectively.
He however stated that insecurity, climate-induced floods and dry spells, and rising agricultural input costs as key factors worsening food insecurity and constraining livelihoods among conflict-affected households noting that the UN is committed to continuous life support saving action.
The launch had a roll call of representatives of the United Nations, Donors and the Diplomatic Community, Leaders of Civil Society and the Humanitarian Community.
