Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday reiterated the readiness of the Senate to partner with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in tackling the current humanitarian crisis occasioned by Boko Haram insurgency in the North-eastern part of the country.
Saraki, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, gave the assurance when the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, led a delegation of the development body on a visit to his office.
Saraki expressed gratitude for the efforts of the UNDP at ameliorating the suffering of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in terms of healthcare, education and feeding programmes.
While noting that the Northeast Humanitarian crisis presents a great challenge to the present administration he said it could only be remedied if all hands are on deck to tackle it.
He also urged the UNDP boss to draw the attention of the world body to the dire situation in the country and ensure that Nigeria is given the same measure of response accorded other crisis zones in other countries.
He noted that there is need for all humanitarian efforts to be properly coordinated to prevent undue duplication of efforts.
“We passed the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Bill to create a platform for the effective and efficient coordination of all efforts aimed at the North-East Humanitarian crisis and to bring about transparency and accountability in the allocation of resources,” Saraki said.
“We want you to work with us in the area of inclusive growth, review of economic recovery plans, electoral reforms and the transition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by developing a framework for implementation both at the legislature and executive levels,” he added.
Earlier, leader of the UNDP delegation, Mr. Kallon noted that the IDPs need the urgent support to voluntarily return home and start rebuilding their lives.
He said the UN is committed to providing support aimed at tackling the challenge of malnutrition, lack of educational facilities, power and healthcare for the IDPs.
