The aim to enhance the timeliness of humanitarian response has prompted the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to outline intentions of recruiting extra personnel. The ministry announced its intentions to tackle Unemployment in the nation by offering temporary employment opportunities, adhering to the Federal Government’s dedication to this cause. According to recent statistics by the World of Statistics, Nigeria has emerged as the leader in terms of unemployment rates, as reported on August 8, 2023.
Comparably, Nigeria took the lead with an astounding increase of 33.3 percent, closely followed by South Africa, another African nation, with a remarkable surge of 32.9 percent. Surprisingly, Iran witnessed a monumental rise of 15.55 percent. Based on the report’s findings, countries such as Qatar exhibited remarkably low levels of unemployment, standing at a mere 0.1 percent. Similarly, Cambodia reported a rate of 0.36 percent, while Niger recorded a slightly higher but still commendable figure of 0.5 percent.
Promptness of humanitarian assistance will be enhanced.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the second quarter of 2023 experienced a surge in the unemployment rate for young individuals aged 15 to 24. This figure reached 7.2%, marking an increase on December 21, 2023, after previously standing at 6.9% in the first quarter of 2023. However, during the visit of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Beta Edu, expressed the intent of the recruitment plan being focused on enhancing the promptness of humanitarian assistance.
She also mentioned the ministry’s New Year’s initiative to involve the recruitment of temporary personnel specialised in humanitarian aid, who will be dispatched to any area facing crises requiring immediate attention. However, she explained that Improving the response time and quality of future responses, along with reducing unemployment, are the guaranteed outcomes of this action. On the other hand, she explained that people would be employed for a period of three months, but in the event of an extended crisis, it may be necessary for them to remain for up to six months or up to a maximum of one year.
Applications can be submitted either in writing or online.
Speaking further, she stated that individuals possessing expertise and practical knowledge in handling humanitarian crises will find themselves more privileged in this initiative. On the other hand, they explained that the applicants have the option to enhance inclusivity by submitting their applications either in writing to the Department of Humanitarian Affairs or through an online platform. She further clarified that It is important to note that there are no charges associated with applying for the position.
Abubakar, speaking through Air Commodore Wapkerem Maigida, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, gave his assurance to the minister. He stated that the NAF personnel would offer their assistance to the ministry in transporting humanitarian aid workers and relief materials to the states and remote areas that require them the most. Further speaking, he stated that besides maintaining security, the Nigerian Airforce will also take part in providing humanitarian aid to communities, collaborating with applicable government MDAs.
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Nevertheless, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, shared her Ministry’s intention of creating humanitarian hubs across all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria. She unveils that the strategic initiative aims to tackle poverty eradication as a long-term objective for the nation. During an episode of the popular radio show Radio Link’, Mrs. Edu passionately expressed her commitment to ensuring maximum transparency in the distribution of palliatives. She also announced the Ministry’s plan to dispatch its personnel to all 774 local government areas, incorporating the vital task of gathering feedback from the communities.