The Government of Borno State and UNDP with support from the Federal Government of Germany Commissions Housing Units and Shelters in Monguno Local Government

January 21, 2025
a group of people standing around each other

Abuja, January 17, 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, in partnerships with the Government of Borno State, marked the commissioning of housing units and semi-permanent shelters in the Monguno Local Government Area. This initiative is part of efforts to accelerate the resettlement and reintegration of conflict-affected returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) back into their communities.These shelters, made possible through the partnership between the Borno State Government, UNDP, and funding from the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Government of Germany, are part of the UNDP’s Regional Stabilization Facility initiative. This initiative aims to restore essential services and resources in conflict-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin region, enabling communities to build back better.

 

Speaking at the commissioning and handover of the housing units, H.E. Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, expressed his gratitude to the Governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt and European Union. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Germany for their generous contribution and to UNDP for their unwavering partnership. Additionally, we thank all other donors and contributors to the Regional Stabilisation Facility, UN Offer and other funding initiatives dedicated to promoting peace, stability, reintegration and development in Borno State.”

 

Monguno Local Government Area is one of the most conflict-affected areas in the Northeast, currently hosting a significant number of IDPs. The area faces numerous challenges, including widespread poverty, a severe housing and shelter deficit, high levels of child malnutrition, unemployment, and issues related to protection, safety, and security. These challenges have a direct impact on the resettlement and reintegration of conflict-affected returnees, IDPs and low-risk Boko Haram associates. As a result, the provision of shelter and housing has been identified as a critical necessity—both as a prerequisite for the return of displaced populations and as a cornerstone for sustainable resettlement and reintegration.

 

Delivering her remarks at the Commissioning, Ambassador Annett Günther, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria mentioned that “Today is a special day in a long time effort where we are together under the leadership of Governor Zulum succeeded in opening the housing estate which will bring new life to people that have been displaced by the insurgency. Now they can return home, they can have a future and their children can have a life they can go back to. We achieved this together with the Government of Borno, our partner UNDP, and other international donors.

 

A total of 1,900 housing units have been constructed under the housing project initiative. UNDP, in collaboration with the Borno State Government and with funding from the Government of Germany, provided 500 permanent housing units and 900 semi-permanent shelters. In addition, the Borno State Government constructed 500 permanent housing units to complement the RSF investment in the LGA/community. Additionally, 375 solar streetlights were constructed for enhanced community safety and security especially for women, girls and children.

 

Government leaders, donors and UNDP officials, including H.E. Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, H.E Annett Günther, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria; H.E Mohammed Fouad, Ambassador of Egypt to Nigeria; Mr. Trond Jensen, Head of OCHA Nigeria; and UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, among others were present at the commisioning and handover of the housing units.

 

 

The resettlement of returnees and IDPs must be carefully planned and implemented to ensure long-term sustainability. Recognizing that housing alone is insufficient, the Borno State Government, through UNDP’s RSF initiative, has provided livelihood opportunities to support the resettlement process. These efforts are complemented by essential social infrastructure, including water, green energy, recreational centers, and markets, ensuring a holistic approach to rebuilding communities.

 

A key focus of the initiative has been livelihood empowerment and protection from SGBV. Through cash grants, technical and vocational training, start-up packages, and agricultural inputs, 4,000 individuals (40% of whom are women) have been empowered to rebuild their lives. To further strengthen regional trade, the RSF programme, with government support, has made significant investments in border infrastructure, including customs, immigration, and police facilities, as well as markets. This investment has not only enhanced economic stability but also improved security and fostered peaceful coexistence in border towns, promoting stronger ties between Nigeria and its neighboring countries.

 

Speaking during the commissioning, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative stated that, “The facilities that we are commissioning today represents a model of collaboration among the partners, 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. She further added, “This initiative will help to uplift the dignity of the affected population, decongest IDP camps, promote safe and voluntary return, 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.

 

Note to Editors About the Regional Stabilisation Facility:

The Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF) is a financing facility developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom (U.K.), the Netherlands, the European Union (E.U.) and Government of Nigeria, to facilitate the implementation of the Regional Strategy for the Stabilisation, Recovery & Resilience of the Boko Haram-affected Areas of the Lake Chad Basin (RSS) of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). The RSS seeks to restore security and bring relief to communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.

Under the Regional Stabilisation Facility initiative, UNDP in Nigeria is currently supporting the rebuilding of selected communities across Northeastern Nigeria in three (3) states - Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. Read more about the Regional Stabilisation facility.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in over 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated and lasting solutions for people and the planet.

 In Nigeria, UNDP provides technical and policy development support to the Federal Government of Nigeria and supports the implementation of interventions across various thematic areas to meet the medium to long-term national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learn more: https://www.undp.org/nigeria