The Federal Government and the private sector have been urged to increase their support for humanitarian operations as insecurity and other crises worsen across the country.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development, Francis Origa, made the call during a press briefing marking the 2026 World Humanitarian Day.
Origa said the annual event, observed on August 19, offered an opportunity to honour humanitarian workers and first responders who risk their lives to assist victims of conflicts and other emergencies.
He said the 2026 theme, ‘The Time for Consequence is Now,’ with the hashtag #ActForHumanity, highlighted the need for urgent, concrete action to protect vulnerable populations and humanitarian workers.
The institute’s chief executive noted that Nigeria continued to face complex humanitarian challenges, including displacement, food insecurity and climate-related emergencies, particularly in the North-East.
He expressed concern about the rising attacks on humanitarian workers, warning that those providing assistance to people affected by crises must be protected.
‘Humanitarian workers are increasingly targeted. We have seen a disturbing trend of attacks on those who are there to help, with aid workers facing significant risks to their safety and security while delivering aid in conflict zones,’ Origa said.
He called on the authorities to ensure strict enforcement of international humanitarian law and to end impunity for attacks against aid workers and civilians.
Origa also urged communities and leaders to acquire the skills, training and resources required to respond effectively to emergencies and to rebuild affected communities with dignity.
He explained that World Humanitarian Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to honour the 22 humanitarian workers killed in the August 19, 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq.
Among those killed was the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello.
Meanwhile, the institute announced its 16th Annual Humanitarian Public Lecture and Induction Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday.
Origa said the programme, organised in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders, UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria, would focus on ‘Resilience in Action: Strengthening Ethical Leadership, Inclusivity and Humanitarian Values in Nigeria.’
He said the event would also feature the presentation of his book, Materialism and Humanitarianism, which examines the relationship between material wealth and humanitarian values.
According to him, the institute will formally launch its Honorary Humanitarian Ambassadors Network as part of efforts to expand its training, advocacy and community development activities across Nigeria.
He disclosed that the initiative would be implemented in partnership with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and would incorporate para-legal services into grassroots humanitarian interventions.
Origa said the initiative aimed to promote human dignity, human rights, and access to justice in communities.
He commended humanitarian workers for their sacrifices, noting that many continued to provide food, medical care, shelter and hope to vulnerable people despite the risks to their lives.
He called for stronger collaboration among the government, humanitarian organisations, the private sector, and the media to address the country’s growing humanitarian challenges.