Eradicating poverty in Nigeria has the potential to reduce the country’s insecurity by more than 50%, according to Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

She made this statement during a visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, at the Nigerian Air Force headquarters in Abuja.

Edu emphasized that poverty is a significant contributor to insecurity and humanitarian crises in Nigeria, stating that defeating poverty would have a substantial positive impact on national security.

Edu also sought the assistance of the Nigerian Air Force in delivering relief materials and aid to hard-to-reach areas in the country.

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She highlighted the critical role that the Air Force could play in reaching remote areas and providing humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons and refugees.

Edu requested support for evacuating Nigerians from areas under threat, both within and outside the country.

In response, Air Marshall Abubakar pledged the Nigerian Air Force’s cooperation and partnership with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in addressing the country’s humanitarian challenges.

He recognized the multifaceted nature of these challenges, including conflicts, natural disasters, and displacement, and stressed the importance of a coordinated approach involving various agencies and departments to effectively respond to these crises.