Katsina Times

In a recent session on the 2024 budget defense, Dr. Betta Edu, Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, expressed unwavering determination to fulfill President Bola Tinubu's mandate of alleviating poverty and addressing humanitarian crises in the nation. Edu emphasized the need for a shift from emergency responses to sustainable solutions, urging the National Assembly to hold her accountable for the ministry's performance.

During the budget defense at the joint National Assembly Committee on Special Duties, Humanitarian Affairs, and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Edu highlighted the dire situation in Nigeria, with 16 million people directly affected by humanitarian crises. She urged a transition to a resilient system and pledged to prioritize the impoverished, emphasizing President Tinubu's commitment to eradicating poverty through various programs.

"I am 100% determined to meet that mandate given to me by President Bola Tinubu, working with my team," stated Dr. Edu, asserting her commitment to delivering tangible results. She underscored the urgency of the situation, with over 70 million people living below the poverty line.

The minister called upon the Senate and the House of Representatives to align the budget with the ministry's mandate to ensure successful implementation. Dr. Edu urged legislative support, stating, "The Senate and the House of Representatives can hold us accountable for what is done as it concerns the renewed Hope Agenda Mandate of Mr. President."

In response, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, reassured the National Assembly's commitment to partnering with the ministry for success. He commended the initial progress, affirming, "You have started well, you will succeed." The committee expressed its intent to conduct oversight visits to assess the ministry's initiatives and ensure adequate funding post-appropriation law passage.