The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, has attributed recent food queue stampedes in Nigeria to poor organisational strategies. Speaking on Channels Television’s 2024 Year-End Review on Tuesday, the minister stressed that such incidents are not unique to Nigeria and have also occurred in advanced countries like the United States.
“Stampedes have taken place in more developed countries than Nigeria,” Yilwatda remarked. “If you recall Hurricane Katrina in the US, when they had food distribution issues due to poor organisation, there was a stampede. Similarly, during school food distribution in Texas, the US, the same situation occurred. These incidents are global phenomena where poor organisation is involved.”
The minister’s comments come in the wake of three tragic stampedes during food distribution events in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja over the 2024 Yuletide season. These incidents claimed no fewer than 70 lives, sparking widespread concern.
While some have blamed the tragedies on the rising hunger and soaring cost of food, authorities have detained private organisers of the affected events for further investigation.
Dr. Yilwatda emphasized that the Federal Government remains the largest distributor of relief materials to vulnerable populations in Nigeria and has successfully conducted numerous programmes without incidents. “The government’s organised approach to relief distribution ensures safety and efficiency,” he said.
The minister called on private donors to prioritize proper planning and coordination when distributing aid. He also urged them to collaborate with the ministry to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
These remarks underscore the need for robust organisational frameworks to ensure the safety and dignity of beneficiaries during humanitarian interventions.
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