The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has granted approval to the Nigerian government for the establishment of humanitarian response stations across the country.

This initiative aims to provide timely assistance to victims of disasters.

Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, revealed this development during her interactions with officials of the Emirati government at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, UAE.

Edu explained that Nigeria sought the support of the UAE in addressing humanitarian crises caused by insurgencies, particularly in the north-east, as well as alleviating poverty in other parts of the country.

She highlighted that the UAE Red Crescent, equivalent to the Red Cross, has expressed readiness to build a more resilient humanitarian response system throughout Nigeria.

The minister attributed the humanitarian crises and poverty in Nigeria to climate change, which has contributed to insurgency and security challenges. She emphasized the role of her ministry at COP28 in seeking support for climate change adaptation, job creation, poverty alleviation, and alignment with the Paris Agreement. The goal is to prevent and mitigate natural disasters that lead to humanitarian crises.

Edu stressed the significance of climate change to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, citing instances such as flooding caused by climate change and the drying up of the Lake Chad Basin, which has impacted the livelihoods of over 40 million people.

Regarding Nigeria’s participation at COP28, Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, noted that the country aims to advocate for positions that benefit its people. He highlighted the issue of loss and damage as a key focus, emphasizing that climate change consequences primarily affect vulnerable countries like Nigeria. Lawal expressed optimism about the conference, citing the determination of the current president of COP and President Bola Tinubu’s address.

Lawal stated that Nigeria would present its perspectives on various climate change-related issues, including effects and remediation. He mentioned the financial commitments of developed countries in areas such as carbon grading, mitigation, and loss and damage.