Reflections from HX Abuja

"It is in spaces like this we get inspiration, this is where we build networks, this is where we connect to others that ultimately translates to improvement for the lives of others because the networks that we build in these kinds of spaces help us to mobilise resources for instance, or co-create or plan together and it becomes improvement for people on the field or in the communities." - David Habba

On July 7 and 8, 2026, over 100 humanitarians from across Nigeria convened for Humanitarian Xchange Abuja. The room included technical experts, community organisations, researchers, local, national and international actors all responding to a broad spectrum of humanitarian crises in Nigeria from Adamawa to Zamfara.

"Nigeria, home to one of the world's largest populations, remains at the centre of many of these challenges. Yet it is also home to an extraordinary community of humanitarian actors committed to finding solutions and driving change. 

That is why HX Abuja is so important. 

The need for stronger coordination among humanitarian actors has never been greater. No single organisation can address the scale of today's challenges alone. When we coordinate effectively, we reduce duplication, use resources more efficiently, amplify local leadership, and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most." - Duncan Harvey, Country Director Save the Children Nigeria

Some key topics covered at HX Abuja included localisation, access to data, innovation, humanitarian–development–peace Nexus, safety and security, shifting power, capacity sharing, stabilisation and peace, climate-migration nexus, youth leadership, advocacy and finance, accountability, safeguarding and more.

In this special episode of Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives, Nwando Okoh HLA Comms and Marketing Lead records live from #HXAbuja in conversation with truly inspiring HX Abuja participants Raquel Kasham Daniel, Maryam Hassan Gambo, Stephen Olushola Oladepo, David Habba, Dr Biobele Davidson, Rukaiya Ibrahim and Philip Ali Yidawi.

The 7 share their reflections on the first HX in Nigeria - from the conversations held to the expected impact on the collective response in Nigeria.

HX Abuja was organised by Save the Children Nigeria and Humanitarian Leadership Academy with support from Google.org

Learn more about the speakers here: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/reflections-from-hx-abuja/

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.