Akwa Ibom ActionAid partnership strengthens humanitarian support as the state expands collaboration to improve vulnerable communities’ welfare

The Akwa Ibom State Government, through the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with development organisations after commending ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation for their sustained humanitarian interventions across the state.

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Speaking in Uyo on Wednesday while receiving the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr Andrew Mamedu, alongside officials of the Clement Isong Foundation during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Ibanga said collaboration between government and development partners remains essential to addressing the growing humanitarian needs of vulnerable communities.

The meeting underscored the Akwa Ibom ActionAid partnership, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to expanding social protection, improving livelihoods and strengthening disaster response mechanisms across the state.

Princess Ibanga described humanitarian service as a collective responsibility, noting that while the state government has continued to invest in programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, partnerships with credible organisations remain indispensable.

“Humanitarian service is a shared responsibility,” she said, adding that ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation have consistently complemented government efforts in promoting social inclusion and community development.

The commissioner also praised Governor Umo Eno’s administration for placing humanitarian issues at the centre of governance, highlighting the establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs as the state’s first standalone ministry dedicated exclusively to humanitarian services.

She pointed to flagship initiatives including the ARISE Care and Share Initiative and the ARISE Food Security Programme, saying they have expanded support for vulnerable residents across the 369 wards through a network of Ward Personal Assistants.

Princess Ibanga said the government is intensifying interventions in underserved and riverine communities by improving access to potable water and expanding livelihood support through grants and productive assets designed to promote self-reliance and restore dignity.

She added that accountability, transparency and data-driven governance remain central to ensuring that government interventions reach intended beneficiaries and deliver measurable impact.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Mrs Meflyn Anwana, said the ARISE Agenda has strengthened rural development through ward-based water projects, enterprise development and targeted grants for vulnerable groups.

Mrs Anwana noted that while government alone cannot address every humanitarian challenge, sustained public investment provides a strong foundation for meaningful collaboration with development partners.

For ActionAid Nigeria, the visit reinforced nearly two decades of engagement in Akwa Ibom. Dr Mamedu said the organisation has worked in the state for about 20 years, focusing on poverty reduction through education, healthcare, humanitarian response and social justice.

“Climate change continues to worsen humanitarian challenges in riverine communities through environmental degradation and declining fish populations,” Dr Mamedu said.

He disclosed that ActionAid Nigeria is working with development partners and the Federal Government to strengthen the National Social Register to improve the targeting of social protection programmes.

The ActionAid chief further advocated greater investment in safe drinking water and education for riverine communities, expressing confidence that deeper collaboration with the state government would deliver lasting benefits to vulnerable residents.

Also addressing the gathering, the Director of the Clement Isong Foundation, Mr Elkanah Oluyori, said the organisation hopes to work with the ministry on developing a comprehensive humanitarian and disaster response framework for Akwa Ibom.

According to him, such a framework would improve coordination among stakeholders and provide a more sustainable approach to responding to humanitarian emergencies.

The meeting was attended by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Eno Akpan, members of the management team and officials from both ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation.

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The renewed Akwa Ibom ActionAid partnership comes at a time when humanitarian agencies are increasingly urging stronger collaboration between governments, civil society organisations and development partners to address the effects of climate change, economic hardship and vulnerability affecting communities across Nigeria.