Ali Ndume, the senator for Borno South, has urged the newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, to leverage financial technology to ensure that the Federal Government’s assistance reaches vulnerable populations throughout the nation.
Having served over two decades in the National Assembly, Ndume cautioned Yilwatda to be mindful of the reasons behind the dismissal of his predecessor, Betta Edu, and to avoid similar mistakes.
During the screening of Yilwatda alongside other senators, Ndume emphasized the critical nature of the humanitarian ministry, noting that approximately 60% of Nigerians live in poverty and that the nominee assumes his role amid growing global concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria.
“You are aware of the circumstances that led to your predecessor’s removal. My question for you, as the new humanitarian minister, is how you will respond to our current humanitarian crisis and prepare for potential future challenges,” Ndume inquired. “Given your background in ICT, how do you plan to implement technology to address these issues? This would reassure us.”
In response, Yilwatda assured Ndume and the other lawmakers that he would utilize technology and innovation to confront the country’s humanitarian challenges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio then asked Yilwatda to take a bow.
Yilwatda, a registered Engineer with COREN, is also a community developer and a lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Benue State. He previously served as a Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after being appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Yilwatda last Wednesday to succeed Betta Edu, who was suspended in January 2024 amid controversies regarding her alleged approval of a large fund payment into a personal account—an allegation she denied while claiming attempts were made to damage her reputation. Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, also faced scrutiny over a significant alleged embezzlement during her term.
Amid Nigeria’s struggling economy, soaring inflation, and deteriorating security conditions, President Tinubu has come under fire for his cabinet’s performance. In response to increasing calls for change, he reshuffled his cabinet last Wednesday, dismissing five ministers, reassigning ten, and appointing seven new individuals
