As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the World Humanitarian Day (WHD), the Federal government has disclosed that the sum of N419 billion has been spent on six million vulnerable Nigerians so far.

The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who dropped the hint on the occasion of the WHD yesterday (Tuesday), hinted that over two million Nigerians would be reached before the end of August.

“Nigeria has a national social register that is very robust containing 18.9 million people who are vulnerable groups that need to be assisted. Mr President has granted permission for them to be assisted through the rapid conditional cash transfer.

“So far, we have reached over nearly six million Nigerians and the total disbursement in terms of household is almost N419 billion, and before the end of August in the next few days, we are also reaching another 2,199,000 Nigerians,” Sununu said while speaking at the Morning Show on the Nigerian Television Network (NTA).

Sununu, who joined the global community in marking the WHD 2025, with tributes and support directed at aid workers and community volunteers in Nigeria, commiserated with those affected by conflict and disaster, especially children. He reiterated that the federal government is doing their best at addressing the humanitarian crisis through “a holistic approach.”

He also thanked the UN for their continued support of the ministry, noting that the agency would soon host a summit followed by council meetings for better coordination.

Also speaking on the show was Mohamed Malick Fall, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. He emphasised that WHD is a time “to call for action from the international community.”

“Let us not forget that the drivers of this crisis are conflict, insecurity, natural disasters and other things taking place. The most difficult conversation is when people lose their dignity, when they overly rely on aids and when they don’t have hope that this life can offer them a better future. The most important thing for me for a human being to have is hope for the future, to transmit that hope to their children and to believe that where they live, they can find a better life and better future there,” Fall expressed.

The British High Commission in Nigeria also joined the celebration of aid workers worldwide, highlighting the efforts of Dr. Ifuk-ibot John of the World Food Programme and Wandu Zira George of CARE International.

“This #WorldHumanitarianDay, we celebrate aid workers, like Dr. Ifuk-ibot John (@WFP_Nigeria) & Wandu Zira George (@CARE Nigeria), helping vulnerable people access food, healthcare & protection,” the UK mission said.

John, a nutrition officer with WFP, is part of the agency’s operations in northeast Nigeria, where rising food prices have worsened the plight of households. He is also recognised for empowering women survivors who challenge inequality and participate in community decision-making.

George, who coordinates Women Lead in Emergency for CARE Nigeria, has led several humanitarian initiatives across the northern states, amplifying women’s roles in crisis response.

In Bauchi, the State Government marked the day by donating N2.6 million to five residents honoured for their voluntary service to their communities. State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajiya Hajara Wanka, presented the cheques at the ministry’s headquarters.

“These people have given their services voluntarily to their communities. We have chosen five people and I’m glad to say that they are all deserving,” Wanka said.

The recipients included the Ward Head of Gwallaga, Dandada Ahmadu, recognised for his dedication to community service; a man who has safeguarded a government hospital in Toro Local Government for nearly 20 years without pay; and Madam Abdullahi Bangani, who has maintained a mosque in her area and provided water for worshippers’ ablutions.

Wanka said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations while honouring individuals whose integrity and hard work strengthen their communities.

“This is exactly what we should be doing on a day like this—honouring those who, through sacrifice and service, uplift humanity,” she added.