German and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officials have inaugurated 1,900 resettlement houses and an ICT centre in Monguno, Borno State.
The housing project, a collaborative effort between international partners and the Borno State Government, includes 1,000 two-bedroom permanent houses and 900 semi-permanent shelters, aimed at resettling 1,874 households from 18 communities who have spent years in displacement camps.
During the inauguration ceremony, German Ambassador to Nigeria Annet Günther praised the initiative as “a shining example of collaboration” between the state government and international partners. The project, partially funded by the German government, began in 2020 with the construction of 500 permanent housing units and expanded in 2023 to include additional semi-permanent shelters.
UNDP Country Representative Elsie Attafuah highlighted the project’s alignment with broader UN efforts to stabilise the Lake Chad region. “This initiative will help uplift the dignity of the affected population, decongest IDP camps, and promote safe and voluntary return,” Attafuah said. She noted that the UNDP and Borno State Government each constructed 500 permanent housing units.
Beyond housing, the development includes 375 solar-powered streetlights to enhance community security, particularly benefiting women and children during nighttime hours. The Borno State Government has complemented these efforts by establishing a modern vocational and skills acquisition centre to promote socio-economic development.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State detailed how the project evolved through multiple phases, beginning with a Letter of Agreement signed in 2020 under the RS German Initiative. A subsequent agreement in 2023 enabled the completion of the housing units and additional infrastructure. The state government’s contribution included essential amenities such as a health centre and solar-powered boreholes.
The governor expressed gratitude to international partners, including the governments of Germany, the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt, and the European Union for their sustained support in stabilising the region.
The inauguration ceremony drew high-profile attendees, including Egyptian Ambassador Mohammed Foud, Senator Mohammed Monguno, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Esty Sotyoko, and UNDP Team Lead for Governance, Peace and Security, Mathew Alao, alongside traditional rulers and community leaders from Monguno.
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