Vice-President Kashim Shettima has welcomed plans by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to expand humanitarian services in Nigeria through the proposed establishment of a national mechanism for humanitarian response.
Receiving an ICRC delegation led by Doris El Doueihy at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would intensify engagement with development partners to address “grey areas” in humanitarian responses.
The Vice-President assured the delegation that the administration would nurture existing relationships with key stakeholders. “It is only when we continue engaging with organisations like the Red Cross that we can address some of the grey areas in our humanitarian responses across the country,” Shettima said.
He commended the ICRC for its professionalism and commitment to a just society, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict.
Shettima welcomed the proposal for a national mechanism to manage the plight of conflict victims, noting that the federal government is willing to collaborate with the ICRC to operationalise the framework. However, he urged the Red Cross to maintain operations in line with international standards.
ICRC Head of Delegation Doris El Doueihy commended Nigeria for domesticating the Kampala Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa. She described the country as a continental leader and a model for emulation.
El Doueihy stated that the visit affirmed the organisation’s healthy diplomatic relations with Nigeria. She noted that the ICRC is proud to partner with the country in advancing humanitarian support across conflict zones, specifically in health, water, and the training of security personnel.
Nigerian Red Cross Society President Oluyemisi Adetayo Adeaga was also present during the visit.
