FG, Germany, UNHCR Partner To Bring Essential Services Closer To Displaced Persons, Vulnerable Nigerians
The Federal Government, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Government of Germany, has strengthened efforts to improve access to essential services for internally displaced persons and vulnerable Nigerians through the deployment of 10 Mobile One-Stop Shop vehicles to participating states.
The initiative was formally launched on Wednesday at the United Nations House in Abuja, where the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, received the vehicles and handed them over to the beneficiary state governments.
Speaking at the ceremony, Doro said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that vulnerable Nigerians are not denied access to essential government services because of their location or circumstances.
He described the Mobile One-Stop Shop as a practical solution to the challenges confronting displaced persons and underserved communities, explaining that the vehicles would take critical services directly to people who cannot easily access conventional government facilities.
The services to be provided through the mobile units include birth registration, NIN enrolment, SIM registration, BVN registration, bank account opening and enrolment into the National Social Register.
The Minister said the programme was consistent with the Ministry’s One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System, which focuses on transitioning vulnerable Nigerians from dependence on palliatives to sustainable opportunities through proper identification, financial inclusion and access to social protection.
He maintained that proper identity documentation was a critical requirement for economic participation and access to government support programmes.
Doro particularly acknowledged the Government of Germany for providing the support that made the acquisition of the 10 vehicles possible, describing the contribution as a strong demonstration of international cooperation and commitment to humanitarian development.
He also praised UNHCR for its sustained partnership with Nigeria in addressing the challenges of displaced persons.
The Minister charged the beneficiary states to ensure that the vehicles were put to effective use, properly maintained and deployed regularly to remote settlements and communities with high humanitarian needs.
He further expressed the Federal Government’s intention to expand the programme to all 36 states and the FCT.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, said the initiative would help bridge existing gaps in access to civil documentation, identity services and other essential public services among displaced persons and vulnerable populations.
He urged the participating states to take responsibility for the proper management, security and deployment of the vehicles.
Also speaking, Germany’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Stefan Rößel, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, particularly in supporting humanitarian interventions and improving the living conditions of vulnerable communities.
The Interim United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Ms. Vanessa Pala, called for sustained cooperation among the Federal Government, UN agencies and development partners to ensure that displaced persons and vulnerable populations are not excluded from essential services.
The official presentation of the vehicle keys was performed by Ambassador Rößel, who handed them to Minister Doro. The Minister subsequently transferred the keys to the participating states through the Dean of the Forum of Commissioners of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Helen Isamoh, who also serves as Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs.
Speaking on behalf of the participating states, Isamoh expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, UNHCR and Germany for the intervention, describing the vehicles as an important boost to humanitarian service delivery.
She called for the expansion of the programme to cover every state of the federation and the FCT so that more displaced persons and vulnerable communities could benefit.
Other dignitaries at the event included the UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Arjun Jain; commissioners of humanitarian affairs from participating states; representatives of relevant government agencies; UN officials; development partners and other stakeholders.
The initiative is expected to reduce barriers to government services, promote financial inclusion and strengthen social protection for displaced persons and other vulnerable Nigerians.
