Nigeria’s new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, has officially assumed office with a firm promise to work tirelessly toward lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty and restoring public confidence in government-led humanitarian efforts.
Speaking during his maiden address at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Doro vowed to lead initiatives that would “make hope a reality” for the nation’s most vulnerable citizens, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“My goal is simple. Mr President wants to renew the hope of Nigerians, especially those at the bottom of the economic ladder,” Doro said. “Statistics show that over 60 per cent of Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty. We must change that narrative with the resources we have as a nation.”
He emphasized that the ministry’s core mandate is to ensure social mobility and economic inclusion for those struggling to survive.
“It is our responsibility to help these people move up from where they are. We must make hope tangible, not just a slogan. And we will achieve that seamlessly, through commitment and teamwork,” he added.
Dr Doro arrived at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja at about 11:48 a.m., accompanied by his wife, Dr Naomi Doro and was received by the Minister of State, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Yakubu Kofarmata and other senior officials.
His appointment follows the elevation of his predecessor, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, who now serves as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). President Tinubu nominated Doro as Yilwatda’s replacement, and the Senate confirmed his appointment on October 30, 2025. He formally resumed duties on November 6, 2025.
Acknowledging the weight of public expectation, Doro described his new role as both “a challenge and a call to service.”
“For some reason, expectations are very high. I’m not sure why, but the bar has been set. I must work harder to meet and hopefully exceed that standard. I believe we’ll succeed together,” he said.
He urged ministry staff to foster teamwork, integrity, and trust, saying: “A team isn’t just people who work together; it’s people who trust one another. Through unity, partnership, and mutual respect, we will achieve our goals.”
Doro expressed appreciation for his predecessor, describing Yilwatda as “a friend and mentor with big shoes to fill.” He also noted that his over two decades of experience abroad would be an asset, while acknowledging the need to adapt to Nigeria’s bureaucratic realities.
“Having lived in the UK for more than twenty years, I may need a bit of adjustment. But with your expertise and cooperation, we’ll move this ministry to greater heights,” he assured.
The minister pledged to lead with humility, strengthen institutional structures, and ensure effective service delivery.
“Together, we can deliver for our people and make hope a living reality for those we serve,” Doro concluded.
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