Doro Launches Mobile One-stop Shops, Hands Over 10 Vehicles To States To Support Vulnerable Nigerians
The Federal Government has launched a Mobile One-Stop Shop initiative and handed over 10 specially equipped vehicles to participating state governments to improve access to essential services for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable Nigerians.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, disclosed this on Wednesday during the official launch and handover ceremony held at the United Nations House, Abuja, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with support from the Government of Germany.
Doro explained that the initiative was designed to bring essential government services closer to displaced persons and vulnerable communities, particularly those in remote and underserved locations who face difficulties accessing public services.
He said the mobile units would provide services including birth registration, National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, SIM registration, Bank Verification Number (BVN), bank account opening and enrolment into the National Social Register.
According to the Minister, the intervention aligns with the Ministry’s One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System, which seeks to move Nigerians from palliatives to sustainable pathways by connecting vulnerable populations to identity documentation, financial inclusion and social protection opportunities.
He stressed that identity documentation remains essential for social and economic inclusion, noting that individuals without proper identification are often excluded from government interventions and other important opportunities.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Germany for supporting the provision of the 10 vehicles, describing the gesture as a demonstration of international solidarity and commitment to improving humanitarian service delivery in Nigeria.
He also commended UNHCR for its continued support for displaced persons and urged the beneficiary states to ensure that the vehicles were properly maintained and effectively deployed to reach vulnerable households and displaced communities.
Doro expressed optimism that the programme would eventually be expanded beyond the initial 10 states to cover all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, described the handover as an important intervention towards addressing the difficulties faced by displaced persons in accessing civil documentation and other essential public services.
He appreciated UNHCR and the German Government for their partnership, urging the beneficiary states to guarantee the effective deployment, maintenance and security of the vehicles.
In his remarks, the German Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Stefan Rößel, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s humanitarian response and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable populations.
Similarly, the Interim United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Ms. Vanessa Pala, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government, UN agencies and development partners in ensuring that displaced persons and vulnerable communities have access to essential services.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the vehicle keys by the German Ambassador to Minister Doro, who subsequently handed them over to the participating states through the Dean of the Forum of Commissioners of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Helen Isamoh, who is also the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs.
Isamoh appreciated the Federal Government, UNHCR and the Government of Germany for the intervention, describing it as significant support for humanitarian service delivery at the state level.
She expressed hope that the initiative would be extended to all 36 states and the FCT to enable more vulnerable Nigerians to benefit.
The event was attended by the UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Arjun Jain; commissioners of humanitarian affairs from participating states; representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies; heads of UN agencies; development partners and other stakeholders.
