By joshua CIFAL Nigeria Calls for Stronger Humanitarian Response in Nigeria
The UNITAR CIFAL Nigeria has called for stronger humanitarian response mechanisms, greater accountability, and increased investment in capacity building, research, and innovation to strengthen humanitarian action and disaster preparedness in Nigeria.
The call was made by the Director of UNITAR CIFAL Nigeria, Mrs. Ihuoma Njemanze, during the 16th Annual Humanitarian Public Lecture and Induction Ceremony organised by the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (IHSD) in Abuja to commemorate World Humanitarian Day.
Held under the theme, “Resilience in Action: Strengthening Ethical Leadership, Inclusivity and Humanitarian Values in Nigeria,” the event brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the future of humanitarian action in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Njemanze emphasised the importance of protecting humanitarian workers and strengthening accountability for attacks against those providing assistance during crises. She also highlighted the need for greater investment in humanitarian capacity building, research and innovation.
She described the evolving collaboration between IHSD and UNITAR CIFAL Nigeria as entering a new phase of “Humanitarianism 4.0”—one driven by technology, innovation, sustainability, and partnerships.
Other speakers, including Professor Uwaoma Uche and former Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, highlighted the importance of humanitarian ethics, community resilience, education, social protection, transparency, and stronger partnerships at the local level.
The discussions reinforced an important message: effective humanitarian action requires ethical leadership, accountable institutions, empowered communities, and sustained collaboration.