FG, UN OCHA Partner on Data-Driven Framework to Boost Humanitarian Response_
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to a robust data driven framework to ensure effective humanitarian interventions.
Dr. Doro made the disclosure during a follow-up courtesy visit by the Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), Danielle Perry and her team to the office in Abuja.
The Minister stressed that, all funding allocations and programme implementations must align with national priorities through deliberate consultation and inclusive engagement.
In a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Janet McDickson Noah, he warned that any misalignment could weaken collaboration and undermine the effectiveness of critical humanitarian interventions.
Dr. Doro emphasized the urgent need to transit from fragmented systems to a unified national data framework that would harmonise beneficiary registers, improve efficiency, and enable government to track impact, identify trends, as well as design sustainable pathways out of poverty.
He noted that strengthening data systems is central to shifting Nigeria’s humanitarian approach from short-term relief to long-term resilience. “By enabling continuous monitoring of beneficiaries, government and partners would be better positioned to respond to emerging shocks while promoting economic stability and self-reliance among vulnerable populations he stressed” He said
Reaffirming government leadership in the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), the Minister advocated for a more inclusive, government-driven process that enhances national ownership, strengthens accountability, and deepens collaboration with development partners.
In her remarks, the Head of the UN OCHA Office, Danielle Perry, reiterated the Organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in the development and implementation of the HNRP.
She acknowledged the complexity of the process, particularly at its early stages, and disclosed that OCHA would provide technical support, including an upcoming workshop focused on scoping, prioritisation, and planning.
Perry explained that, the current HNRP adopts a targeted approach due to resource constraints, prioritising areas with the highest severity of need, particularly in the North-East.
She added that critical interventions have also been extended to parts of the North-West and North-Central regions,
highlighting ongoing global challenges related to data sharing and acknowledged the importance of a coordinated and structured approach to interoperability.
While expressing support for government-led data integration efforts, Perry emphasized that progress would require careful engagement with partners due to differing data protection policies and operational frameworks.
On reporting standards, she disclosed that OCHA applies strict methodologies to ensure accuracy, focusing on unique beneficiary counts and eliminating duplication in humanitarian reporting.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Ministry and the United Nations system.
He stressed that effective communication, structured feedback, and coordinated data management between Nigeria and its partners are critical to improving the efficiency and impact of humanitarian interventions across the country.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment by both parties to deepen collaboration, strengthen alignment with national priorities, and sustain strategic dialogue towards building a more coordinated, transparent, and effective humanitarian response system in Nigeria.
