Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation: One Crisis Too Many
By; MURTALA ADOGI MOHAMMED
Nigerians are hungry for results, the poverty level is rapidly increasing – the inflation rates based on fuel subsidy removal is one of the major drivers taking Nigerians into the poverty hole. The first step in taking Nigerians out of poverty is having strong leadership in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
But sadly, it seems there is a crisis in the Ministry. The persistent crisis within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs underscores the urgency for a critical review of its leadership. It prompts a crucial question: should the position of Minister be occupied by a core politician or a technocrat with a proven record of strong leadership and results delivery
An Analysis.
1. Leadership Stability. The recurrent crises suggest a lack of stable leadership within the Ministry. A core politician may bring political acumen, but a technocrat could offer stability and focused expertise in navigating complex humanitarian challenges in Nigeria. We need some quick wins intervention immediately to calm Nigerians’ ‘poverty nerves’ down.
2. Results Delivery. The essence of the ministry is effective results delivery in humanitarian endeavors. A technocrat, with a history of tangible results in similar roles, might bring a pragmatic and results-oriented approach to address the pressing issues at hand. Especially as Nigerians are finding it difficult to adapt to the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.
3. Specialized Knowledge. Humanitarian affairs demand a nuanced understanding of complex issues. A technocrat with specialized knowledge in humanitarian efforts could potentially bring a more targeted and informed perspective to the table. Ranging from needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, impact, and result tracking, and communicating results.
4. Public Perception. The public’s perception of the ministry’s effectiveness is crucial. A technocrat leading the ministry might enhance public trust through visible and impactful initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to addressing humanitarian needs.
5. Accountability and Transparency. A technocrat, with a background in governance and administration, may bring a greater emphasis on accountability and transparency in the operations of the Ministry. This is crucial for effective resource utilization and public trust. Such as establishing a results delivery dashboard for Nigerians to see what is going on.
6. Adaptability to Changing Circumstances. Humanitarian challenges are dynamic, requiring adaptive responses. A technocrat might demonstrate agility in responding to evolving crises, utilizing data-driven approaches to inform decision-making. To ensure value for money the ministry’s data must speak.
7. Stakeholder Collaboration. Building effective partnerships with local and international stakeholders is paramount in humanitarian work. A leader with a technocratic background may excel in collaborations, leveraging expertise from diverse sources for comprehensive solutions. This will enhance the confidence and trust of both primary and secondary stakeholders – most importantly donor partners.
Recommendations
1. Considering the recurring challenges, it is advisable to prioritize competence and experience over political affiliations in appointing the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.
2. Nigerians are hungry for results. I said it again! Therefore, this recommendation aims to align the leadership with the specialized nature of humanitarian affairs, ensuring that the focus remains on delivering impactful solutions to those in need, ultimately mitigating the ongoing crisis within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Murtala Adogi Mohammed PhD is the Founder/Executive Director System Strategy and Policy Lab Abuja, Nigeria
