The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the United Nations Resident Coordinator and humanitarian services operating across the nation. Director of Information and Public Relations, Pat Ndidi Ituk, in a statement, said Badaru made the pledge during a meeting with Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, at the Minister’s office in Ship House, Abuja.

Ituk said Badaru emphasized the importance of strengthened coordination, collaboration, and sustainable development, stating that the meeting was “long overdue.” Badaru highlighted the need to rekindle long-standing partnerships and build upon previous successes in critical areas such as health, water and sanitation, education, and livelihood support. Ituk quoted Badaru as saying the meeting was an opportunity to drive development outcomes.

The Minister reflected on past collaborations, acknowledging the positive impact of healthy inter-state competition and benchmarking. Ituk said Badaru recounted his tenure as Governor, during which several states excelled in national development indices, particularly in water access, health services, and livelihood initiatives.

In response, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall, expressed appreciation for Badaru’s leadership and reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with federal and state actors. Ituk said Fall welcomed the Minister’s initiative to enhance humanitarian and development responses across Nigeria. Badaru and Fall discussed key topics, including the establishment of test points for new service delivery models and engaging with national security institutions.