Monguno: German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annet Gnther, 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. Gnther inaugurated the resettlement houses for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), while Attafuah inaugurated a 100-person capacity ICT centre to facilitate digital education.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the projects were undertaken by the international partners in conjunction with the Borno State Government and Germany. The initiatives underscore the collaborative efforts between the Borno Government and international partners to rebuild and stabilize communities impacted by insurgency.
Speaking at the inauguration, Gnther commended Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno for the initiatives, which she said would have a significant impact on communities affected by insurgency. She described the housing project as a shining example of collaboration between the Borno State Government and international partners, with funding coming from both the state government and international donors.
Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Country Representative, stated that the projects align with the UN agency’s regional stabilization efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Lake Chad region. She highlighted the strong partnership and financing from the Federal Government of Germany, which has ensured sustainable impact and resilience in Borno State and the Northeast region.
According to her, the state government has often reinforced RSF funding with state resources to accelerate development in conflict-affected communities of Borno State. She stated that of the 1,000 housing units commissioned, the state government and UNDP constructed 500 each. Additionally, UNDP constructed 900 semi-permanent shelters and 375 solar-powered streetlights for improved community security.
Attafuah emphasized that the initiative would uplift the dignity of the affected population, decongest IDP camps, and promote safe and voluntary return. It would also create a conducive environment for the reintegration of repentant Boko Haram associates and enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of the host community.
Gov. Zulum highlighted that the housing estate consists of 1,000 two-bedroom low-cost houses and 900 semi-permanent shelters. The houses would be distributed to 1,874 households selected from 18 communities who had been living in IDP camps for years. He added that the German government funded the construction of 500 permanent housing units in 2020 and added 900 semi-permanent shelters in 2023.
According to Zulum, the Borno government built another 500 houses and provided complementary amenities such as a health centre and solar-powered boreholes. He explained that these efforts would support the voluntary decongestion and eventual closure of IDP camps in Monguno, enabling smooth reintegration of displaced families in their ancestral homes.
Zulum commended the Governments of Germany, the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt, and the European Union for their continued support, as well as the UNDP for its unwavering partnership in stabilizing 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, along with traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Monguno.