German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annet Günther and Nigeria’s UNDP Country Representative, Elsie Attafuah, have unveiled 1,900 resettlement houses and an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) centre in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno.
Günther unveiled resettlement houses for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), while the Attafuah inaugurated a 100-person capacity ICT centre to facilitate digital education
The projects were undertaken by the international partners in conjunction with the Borno Government and Germany.
The initiatives also underscore the collaborative efforts between the Borno Government and international partners to rebuild and stabilize communities impacted by insurgency.
Speaking at the inauguration, Günther commended Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno for the initiatives, which she said would have a great impact on communities affected by insurgency.
“This housing project is a shining example of collaboration between the Borno State Government and international partners.
“Funding for the housing units comes from both the state government and international donors,” the envoy said.
Also speaking, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Country Representative, said the projects aligned with the UN agency’s regional stabilisation efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Lake Chad region.
”The facilities that we are commissioning today represents a model of collaboration among UNDP, Borno State Government and our development partners, particularly the Federal Government of Germany.
”We remain grateful for your strong partnership and financing which has ensured sustainable impact and resilience in Borno State and the Northeast region.
”I wish to specifically commend the Governor of Borno State for his sense of duty and commitment to the development and restoration of peace and stability to his state and people,” Attafuah said.
According to her, the state government has often reinforced RSF funding with state resources to accelerate development in conflict-affected communities of Borno State.
”I am pleased to state that of the 1,000 housing units that we are commissioning today, the state government and UNDP constructed 500 each.
”In addition, UNDP constructed 900 semi-permanent shelters and 375 solar-powered streetlights for improved community security, especially for women and children in night hours.
” Furthermore, the state government
complimented with a modern vocational and skills acquisition centre to promote a holistic development and socio-economic welfare in the community,” the UNDP country representative said.
According to her, this initiative will help to uplift the dignity of the affected population, decongest IDP camps, promote their safe and voluntary return.
She said that it would also create conducive environment for reintegration of repentant Boko Haram and associates, enhance socio-economic wellbeing of the host community and building community social cohesion and resilience.
Earlier, Zulum stated that “the housing estate consists of 1,000 Two-Bedroom Low-cost houses and 900 Sese-Permanent Shelters.’’
The governor said that the houses would be distributed to 1,874 households selected from 18 communities who had been living in IDP camps for years.
Zulum said that the German government funded the construction of 500 permanent housing units in 2020 and added 900 semi-permanent shelters in 2023.
According to him, the Borno government built another 500 houses and provided complementary amenities such as a health centre and solar-powered boreholes.
“A Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed in 2020 under the RS German Initiative to kick-start the construction of 500 houses.
“In 2023, another LOA was signed under the RSF German reintegration funds, enabling the completion of the 500 housing units, 900 semi-permanent shelters, and the installation of 375 solar streetlights,” the governor said.
He added that the efforts would support the voluntary decongestion and eventual closure of IDP camps in Monguno, enabling smoother reintegration of displaced families in their ancestral homes.
Zulum expressed gratitude to the Governments of Germany, the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt, and the European Union for their continued support, as well as to UNDP for its unwavering partnership in stabilising the region.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Foud; Sen. Mohammed Monguno; the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Esty Sotyoko; and Mathew Alao, UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security.
Traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Monguno also attended the event
