The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has publicly criticized the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that his impact has not been felt where it is most needed, particularly in addressing humanitarian crises across Nigeria.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by the Forum's Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the group expressed disappointment over the minister's performance since his appointment seven months ago during President Bola Tinubu's cabinet reshuffle on October 23, 2024.

"As stakeholders who are connected to the grassroots, we can sincerely report that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has not done enough to address humanitarian issues which affect ordinary Nigerians in rural communities," the statement read.

The Forum, which had previously championed the agitation for a ministerial appointment from Plateau State following Senator Simon Lalong's resignation, highlighted the ministry's inadequate response to the humanitarian crisis in Plateau State, where armed assailants have reportedly taken control of 64 communities and displaced thousands of people.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), at least 52 persons were killed and 1,820 displaced in Plateau following attacks between March 27 and April 2, 2025. The Forum criticized Yilwatda for not personally visiting the affected communities or the displaced persons, many of whom are taking refuge in church premises.

"The impact of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has not been felt, even in Plateau State, where he comes from. Many people in Plateau don't even know that the state has a minister," the statement continued.

The group noted that it was instead the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who visited displaced persons in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State in December 2024 following attacks in the area.

The Forum suggested that Yilwatda's approach to the humanitarian crisis in Plateau State might be politically motivated. Yilwatda was the APC candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State, which was won by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party. After a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court, Mutfwang's victory was affirmed in January 2025.

"Governance should not be politicized, those holding public office are there to serve the people no matter what their personal or political interests are. The welfare of the citizens should not be sacrificed on the altar of politics," the statement emphasized.

The criticism comes amid speculations that President Bola Tinubu might carry out another cabinet reshuffle when his administration marks two years in office on May 29, 2025.

The North-Central APC Forum has urged the minister to "sit up and lead efforts to address the humanitarian crises in Plateau State, in particular, and in all parts of the country."