The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annet Günther, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, have jointly unveiled two significant projects implemented by Governor Babagana Zulum in Borno State.
The projects, which include resettlement housing units for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and a state-of-the-art ICT centre were inaugurated in Monguno Town.
The housing project consists of 1, 000 two-bedroom semi-detached houses and 900 semi-permanent shelters equipped with basic amenities, such as a health centre and a borehole.
Also, the ICT centre, with a capacity to train 100 individuals at a time, aims to enhance digital education in the state.
A total of 1, 874 displaced families from 14 communities have benefited from the housing initiative.
In addition to their new accommodations, each household received N50, 000 cash support for heads of families, N20, 000 for each housewife, as well as food and non-food relief items.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Günther praised Gov. Zulum’s administration for its commitment to rebuilding lives disrupted by insurgency.
“This housing project exemplifies effective collaboration between the Borno State Government and international partners,” she noted, adding that the project received funding from both the state and international donors.
UNDP’s Elsie Attafuah echoed Günther’s sentiments, highlighting that the housing initiative aligns with UNDP’s regional stabilization goals aimed at fostering peace in the Lake Chad region.
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Governor Zulum outlined the contributions made by international donors and the state government to the project.
“The German Government funded 500 permanent and 900 semi-permanent shelters, while the Borno State Government constructed an additional 500 houses and provided essential amenities such as healthcare centre and potable water,” he said.
Gov. Zulum also detailed agreements with the UNDP that facilitated the construction. “In 2020, an agreement under the RS German Initiative led to the construction of 500 housing units.
“Another agreement in 2023, under RSF German reintegration funds, supported the completion of 500 permanent units, 900 semi-permanent shelters, and the installation of 375 solar streetlights,” he explained.
He added that these efforts are part of a broader plan to decongest and eventually close IDP camps in Monguno, enabling families to resettle with dignity.
The governor expressed gratitude to Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt, the European Union, and other contributors for their support.
“We deeply appreciate the contributions from all our international partners, which have been instrumental in promoting stability and development in Borno State,” Gov. Zulum said.
