FG, Reps: Government Alone Cannot Solve Nigeria’s Poverty, Humanitarian Crisis

The Federal Government and the House of Representatives have called for stronger collaboration between government, faith-based organisations, the private sector and civil society to address Nigeria’s growing social and humanitarian challenges, warning that public institutions alone cannot meet the increasing needs of millions of vulnerable citizens.

The appeal comes at a time of rising inflation, high unemployment and worsening economic hardship, with more Nigerians relying on religious organisations, charities and community-based groups for food, healthcare, education and other basic forms of support.

The call was made on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) Nigeria’s ₦2 billion Endowment Fund and Integrated Charity Programme, an initiative designed to create a sustainable source of funding for humanitarian interventions across the country.

The programme will support healthcare services, educational scholarships, legal aid, assistance for widows and orphans, correctional centre interventions, emergency relief and other social welfare programmes.

Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the House Committee on Christian Pilgrimage Affairs, Hon. Festus Adefiranye, said the complexity of Nigeria’s current challenges demands a broader national partnership that goes beyond government institutions.

According to him, faith-based organisations occupy a unique position because they enjoy public trust, promote social cohesion and often reach underserved communities more effectively than government agencies.

"Government alone cannot solve every social challenge confronting our nation. Sustainable national development requires a genuine partnership among public institutions, faith-based organisations, the private sector and civil society," Abbas said.

He described the unveiling of the endowment fund as more than the launch of another charity initiative, saying it represents a renewed commitment to compassion, sacrifice and responsible citizenship.

The Speaker also commended the Knights of St. Mulumba for its more than seven decades of contributions to education, healthcare, youth development, justice delivery and humanitarian services across Nigeria.

He praised the endowment model adopted by the organisation, noting that preserving the principal investment while using only returns to fund charitable activities provides a sustainable framework that other organisations can emulate.

Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Special Assistant Simon Tyungu echoed similar concerns, saying Nigeria’s development challenges require innovative partnerships involving every segment of society.

He said lasting progress would only be achieved when government, businesses, faith-based organisations, civil society organisations and patriotic citizens work together toward common national goals.

"Government alone cannot address every developmental challenge. Lasting progress can only be achieved through strong partnerships involving faith-based organisations, the private sector, civil society and patriotic citizens committed to the common good," Akume said.

He described the endowment as more than a financial initiative, saying it institutionalises compassion by creating a permanent structure for supporting vulnerable Nigerians.

The SGF also encouraged philanthropists, corporate organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the fund, describing every contribution as an investment in hope, dignity and a more compassionate society.

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, pledged his administration's support for the initiative and said the state would partner with the Knights of St. Mulumba wherever the programme operates within Kogi.

Ododo also urged Christian, Muslim and traditional religious organisations to establish similar initiatives aimed at supporting widows, orphans, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.

"Government cannot do this alone. Nor should it," the governor said.

Earlier, the Worthy Supreme Knight of Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Sir Steve Adehi (SAN), explained that the organisation decided to establish the endowment fund because the country's worsening economic situation has significantly increased the demand for humanitarian assistance.

Founded in 1953, the Order has spent more than 70 years supporting communities through educational programmes, healthcare initiatives, legal assistance, humanitarian services and women empowerment projects.

However, Adehi said declining membership, economic pressures and increasing operational costs have made the traditional funding model, largely dependent on members' dues and levies unsustainable.

"As our society is advancing and our economic situation deteriorating, the need for these interventions has increased. These interventions have mostly been funded through dues and levies from members.

"Our membership strength is dwindling owing to death, age and economic decline. In order to respond to these increasing demands, we have to look for alternative ways of funding our charitable works," he said.

According to him, the ₦2 billion endowment will operate as a professionally managed permanent fund, with its principal preserved indefinitely while only investment income will finance charitable programmes.

He disclosed that the Order intends to amend its constitution to prevent both present and future leaders from accessing the fund's principal, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

The investment returns, he said, will finance healthcare outreach in underserved communities, educational scholarships, humanitarian relief for victims of violence, welfare support for widows and orphans, correctional centre programmes, pro bono legal services, social justice advocacy and emergency assistance for communities affected by conflict, environmental disasters or economic hardship.

Adehi said the Order expects the fund to continue growing through contributions from members, corporate organisations and development partners, providing a dependable financial base for its humanitarian work for generations to come.

"What we build today will serve the Church, strengthen communities and speak for us long after our time on earth has passed," he said.