Ali Ndume, the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, has urged the newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, to leverage financial technology to enhance the Federal Government’s support for vulnerable populations.
Ndume, a seasoned member of the National Assembly with over 20 years of continuous service, issued this advice during Yilwatda’s screening, referencing the circumstances that led to the removal of his predecessor, Betta Edu, earlier this year.
Addressing Yilwatda alongside his fellow lawmakers, Ndume emphasized the importance of the ministry, noting that it oversees initiatives for over 60% of Nigerians currently living in poverty.
“The humanitarian ministry is the most crucial today,” Ndume stated. “With a worsening humanitarian crisis, you know the reasons behind your predecessor’s exit. My question is, what measures will you take to tackle this emergency?” Ndume asked. “Your expertise in ICT is a plus. How do you plan to employ this in addressing these pressing issues?”
In response, Yilwatda assured the Senate that he would use technology and innovative solutions to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. Following this exchange, Senate President Godswill Akpabio allowed Yilwatda to take a bow.
Yilwatda, a registered engineer with extensive community development experience, was previously appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari as an INEC Commissioner. President Bola Tinubu appointed him last week to replace Edu, who was suspended in January amid allegations of unauthorized funds’ approval—a claim she has denied, attributing it to efforts to defame her. Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, had also faced scrutiny over alleged financial mismanagement.
President Tinubu, amid increasing criticism over his administration’s performance, reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday. This shake-up led to the removal of five ministers, the reassignment of 10, and the addition of seven new appointees in a bid to address the nation’s deepening economic and security crises.
