The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given approval for the creation of a Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, stated this while briefing State House correspondents shortly after the FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Monday.

She said the trust fund is to enable the Federal Government respond promptly to humanitarian situations in the country.

According to her, the Federal Government hopes to raise at least $5bn annually into the trust fund.

Edu explained that the funds will be sourced from the Federal Government, private and international organisations as well as well-meaning individuals.

She also assured that state governments will be carried along in the project.

On the care for the elderly, the minister said FEC took a decision to ratify the protocol for the protection of the rights of old people in the country in line with the African Charter.