Bernard Doro, the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria, has officially flagged off the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Distribution programme in Plateau State, aiming to provide immediate relief to vulnerable households and strengthen social protection systems nationwide.
The event took place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos. Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Doro emphasized that the intervention reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to support vulnerable Nigerians and create sustainable pathways out of poverty.
Describing the event as both professionally significant and personally meaningful, Dr. Doro highlighted Plateau State’s role in shaping his values and public service ethos. “Returning home in my capacity as a Minister of the Federal Republic to deliver this intervention is both a professional responsibility and a deeply personal duty. Plateau is not just my home; it is part of the story that shaped who I am,” he said.
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The Minister noted that climate-related disruptions, insecurity, and displacement have continued to strain household livelihoods and food systems, with women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities among the most affected. The programme is designed to provide immediate relief while linking beneficiaries to long-term government social protection and economic empowerment initiatives.
Dr. Doro also highlighted the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), which integrates humanitarian interventions with sustainable poverty reduction programmes. Beneficiaries will have access to conditional cash transfers, livelihood restoration, agricultural productivity support, skills development, and micro-enterprise financing.
“Our goal is clear: to break the cycle of recurring humanitarian dependency and move vulnerable households toward resilience, stability, and long-term prosperity,” he stated.
The Minister further revealed that the Federal Government is expanding the National Social Register (NSR) to better identify vulnerable households and ensure effective linkage to federal social protection programmes. He assured that the Ministry would work closely with the Plateau State Government to ensure all eligible beneficiaries are captured and integrated into additional support initiatives.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, explained that the programme is part of the broader Presidential Initiative for Emergency Food and Nutrition Assistance, targeting states facing food insecurity and nutrition challenges.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang described the intervention as timely support amid ongoing economic reforms. Using a local analogy, he said, “When children are hungry while food is still cooking, parents provide something small to sustain them while waiting for the main meal. This programme provides immediate relief as broader economic reforms take effect.”
The Governor also reaffirmed Plateau State’s commitment to strengthening agricultural production, noting that the government has procured large quantities of fertilizer for distribution to farmers at subsidized rates across all local government areas.
In addition, the immediate past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended President Tinubu for prioritizing social protection initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians across multiple sectors.
