The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annet Günther, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, inaugurated two significant projects in Monguno town, spearheaded by Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The projects include a large-scale housing initiative for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and a fully equipped ICT centre designed to facilitate digital education for up to 100 participants at a time.
Ambassador Günther led the commissioning of a 1,900-unit resettlement housing estate comprising 1,000 two-bedroom semi-detached homes and 900 semi-permanent shelters.
Each unit is supported with basic amenities, including a health centre and a borehole. Meanwhile, Attafuah inaugurated the ICT centre, emphasizing its role in advancing digital literacy and education in the region.
The housing project benefited 1,874 displaced families from 14 communities. In addition to their new homes, the beneficiaries received food and non-food supplies, N50,000 for each household head, and N20,000 for each housewife.
In her remarks, Ambassador Günther commended the Borno State Government and its international partners for the initiative, noting its impact on rebuilding lives affected by insurgency.
“This housing project is a testament to the successful collaboration between the Borno State Government and international partners,” Günther said, highlighting that funding came from both local and international sources.
UNDP’s Elsie Attafuah echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the housing initiative aligns with UNDP’s regional stabilization program aimed at restoring peace and fostering development in the Lake Chad region.
Speaking, the state governor, detailed the collaborative efforts behind the projects, noting that the German Government funded 500 permanent homes and 900 semi-permanent shelters. The Borno State Government contributed an additional 500 housing units and provided essential amenities.
“In 2020, we signed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) with UNDP under the RS German initiative to construct 500 housing units. Another LOA was signed in 2023 under RSF German reintegration funds, which supported the completion of 500 permanent houses, 900 semi-permanent shelters, and the installation of 375 solar streetlights,” Zulum explained.
The governor added that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to decongest and eventually close IDP camps in Monguno, facilitating a smoother transition for displaced families.
Overwhelmed by their contributions, Zulum thanked Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt, the European Union, and other donors for their contributions.
“We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of all partners who are committed to promoting peace, stability, and development in Borno State,” Zulum said.