Dr Bernard Doro has resumed office as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Dr Doro resumed office on Tuesday at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, located on the 5th Floor, Phase 1, Federal Secretariat Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Area, Abuja.
The UK-based pharmacist took over from Nentawe Yilwatda, the current National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
READ ALSO: Bernard Doro pledges support for talent development at 27th NUGA Games in Jos
The alumnus of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) expressed confidence, stating that the experience and technical skills of the ministry’s personnel give him courage.
Dr Doro stated that his simple overarching goal was to renew the hope of Nigerians, particularly those at the bottom of the economic ladder.
This, he said, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda.
He highlighted the urgency of the ministry’s mission, citing statistics that show Nigeria has “over 60% multi-dimensionally poor people.”
“It is our job as the humanitarian affairs ministry and poverty reduction that we can help those people move up from where they are,” Dr Doro stated, emphasising the need to achieve social mobility for the vulnerable population.
Dr Doro acknowledged there would be a period of “adjustment” but stressed his eagerness to learn and “teachable.”
READ ALSO: Minister Doro urges youth to pursue purpose with passion, humility, integrity
He promised to leverage the existing team’s technical knowledge and experience to move the ministry to a greater height.
The minister stressed the importance of teamwork and trust within the ministry.
He assured staff that the positive aspects of the culture in the ministry will be maintained.
Acknowledging the “great expectations” placed upon him and the high bar that has been set, Dr Doro expressed promised to work extra hard with the team to exceed those expectations.
He reiterated the core strategy for achieving their goal: collaboration, partnership, accountability, and unity, assuring the staff that they will be “selfless” in their effort to make hope a reality for the demographics they serve.
Backstory
Dr Doro assumed office following a visit to his home state, Plateau, where he engaged in several activities.
On Sunday in Jos, he attended the Wusal Wurum 2025, declaring that his ministry’s core mission is to implement welfarist policies aimed at uplifting vulnerable Nigerians and those at the economic bottom of the pyramid.
He assured the audience that the ministry will act “clearly, independently, with impartiality,” with “humanity” as its guiding principle, and stated that while the ministry serves the entire nation, he intends to prioritise his home region.
During the Praise Music Video Awards 2025 in Jos, Dr Doro emphasised youth development as a vital pillar for national growth and human dignity, reiterating his commitment to leadership rooted in compassion, fairness, and integrity.
On Monday at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), he pledged support for student talent at the ongoing 27th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games, following a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya.
Dr Doro described the visit as a show of solidarity with the institution where his journey began and highlighted NUGA as a critical platform for discovering and nurturing future stars.
During a press conference with Plateau citizens on Monday, he vowed to make hope tangible for the poor, displaced, vulnerable, and marginalised, stressing that the ministry’s humanitarian response is a right and a core government responsibility, not charity.
The UK-based pharmacist pledged to build a ministry founded on transparency, accountability, and measurable impact, stating that every intervention must deliver visible results: food on tables, roofs over heads, children in school, and livelihoods restored.
Dr Doro became the third person to lead the ministry under Tinubu.
Betta Edu served as the first minister but was dismissed following a nationwide outcry over an alleged ₦585 million scandal, and she was succeeded by Professor Yilwatda.
Bernard Doro
Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dr Doro brings more than two decades of multidisciplinary experience spanning clinical medicine, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community development.
He has worked extensively in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom, earning a reputation for professionalism and public service.
Dr Doro holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA focused on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice.
He is an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with frontline experience in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), where he has worked across urgent-care centres, GP practices, and hospital departments.
Beyond his medical and administrative credentials, Doro is also recognised for his commitment to youth mentorship, diaspora engagement, and community service initiatives aimed at improving health access and education in underserved areas.
