FG Launches Initiative to Localise Nigeria’s Humanitarian Response

*We’re leaving a legacy of real, lasting impact, says Shettima

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The federal government, yesterday, launched the Humanitarian Supply Chain Management – Partnership for Localisation Project, in an effort to strengthen Nigeria’s humanitarian response system.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said the initiative, which aligns with the Nigeria Localisation Framework, sought to empower local actors and leverage local resources to address the country’s growing humanitarian needs.

Speaking while launching the initiative in Abuja, Shettima, who was represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said climate change, coupled with global economic crises, had deepened the country’s complex humanitarian situation.
The vice president announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Disaster Relief Fund.

He said the fund will provide immediate assistance to disaster victims nationwide, complementing the broader localisation framework.
Shettima stated, “Inaction is simply not an option, and the cost of failing to address these crises at their roots will be devastating.
“Localisation is not merely about placing local actors at the centre of humanitarian efforts; it is the key to a more inclusive, resilient future for Nigeria.”

The new initiative builds on Nigeria’s Localisation Framework, which was established in 2019, and aims to put national and local institutions at the forefront of humanitarian decision-making.
The project is implemented by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Emergency and Logistics, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the USA-based Fritz Institute, and other local partners.

The vice president said, “Local communities understand their challenges best, and by empowering them, we provide them with the tools to shape their own futures.”
Shettima explained that the project represented a key component of the Tinubu administration’s broader strategy, focusing on human capital development and improved humanitarian responses through enhanced health outcomes, education access, and livelihood stability for affected communities.

Earlier, Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Emergency and Logistics (Office of The Vice President), Mohammed Ahmed, highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach to humanitarian aid.
Ahmed said, “There is a need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Government must be participatory and inclusive, ensuring that all voices from every segment of society are heard. Everyone is impacted by issues like climate change and conflict.”
He stated that the project would support Nigeria’s localisation framework, and create a platform to advance the agenda.

“We have a lot of work to do to meet Nigeria’s targets on this,” he added.
Fritz Institute’s Project Director, Mitsuko Mizushima, said the initiative was focused on local engagement, pointing out that this project “is designed to give local people a seat at the table”.
Mizushima pointed to the growing recognition of the importance of supply chain management and the need for capacity building.

The project director stated, “We are bringing together international and local organisations, along with academia, to develop standardised training in supply chain management. Over the years, more than 25,000 people have completed this training. It’s accessible to anyone, anywhere, anytime—and it’s free.”

Chief Adviser and Coordinator to the Government of Borno State on Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Support, Dr. Mairo Mandara, said localisation meant responding to the needs of the people.

Mandara stated that in Borno State, they had defined what they needed “and are taking a human-centred approach to humanitarian transition into development. Once we remain focused on our transition plans, we cannot go wrong”.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that it had directed approximately 27 per cent of its funding to Nigerian-led organisations in a move towards indigenous control of aid operations in the country.

According to USAID’s Acting Deputy Mission Director, Alexis Taylor-Granados, “Lasting change in Nigeria requires partnership and collaboration.

“We have redoubled our commitment to transferring leadership to local people and institutions who are best positioned to lead change within their own countries and communities.

“By empowering local humanitarian groups to access resources, collaborate effectively, enhance skills, take on leadership roles, and influence humanitarian policy, USAID will ensure that local organisations are better equipped, more self-sufficient, and responsive to the needs of their communities.”

Managing Director of Society for Family Health (SFH), Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, said the conversation on localisation had to be looked at from the upstream and downstream sides.

Idogho stated, “Local laws and manufacturing capacity have a big impact on localisation. Nigeria has strong organisations in place to handle complex supply chain management programmes. We can transform humanitarian aid delivery with the right capacity.”