The federal government has expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved by the second phase of the Inclusive Economic and Social Recovery around Lake Chad (RESILAC) intervention projects.

Sampson Ebimaro, the permanent secretary, federal ministry of budget and economic planning, made this known during the 2rd National Steering Committee meeting of stakeholders on RESILAC project 2 in Maiduguri.

The RESILAC 2, which was co-funded by the European Union (EU) and French Development Agency (FDA), is being executed by Action against Hunger and CARE, among other civil society organisations.

The project targets 118,000 beneficiaries from the Republics of Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, including the 36,000 benefiting from Borno and Yobe.

Mr Ebimaro, who is also the chairman, National Steering Committee, said the field visit by the stakeholders had offered them a first view of progress made in the implementation of the programme.

“The visit earlier today provided valuable insight into how intervention and shaping lives, fostering economic opportunity and golden hope among conflict-affected communities.

“More importantly, it has provided an opportunity to identify and address some ultimate areas for better outcomes while also highlighting key aspects for successful intervention and long-term sustainability.

“This tangible result and lessons underscore the effectiveness of collaboration among governments, donors, implementing partners and the enduring resilience of the people of the Lake Chad region.

“The federal government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, remain committed to sustaining and strengthening this partnership.

“Our collective objective is to align humanitarian and development efforts with national priorities, particularly in the areas of livelihood to recovery, social cohesion and peace building,” the chairman, who was represented by Abdullahi Yakubu, a deputy director and head of bilateral economic cooperation in the ministry.

He said that the ministry would continue to promote a comprehensive approach to resilience building, ensuring that the programme was integrated within the broader national framework for sustainable development.

Mr Ebimaro said that since the official launch of the inaugural meeting in April 2025, remarkable strategies were evidenced in terms of strengthening local government structures, supporting youths and women’s enterprising to promote inclusive recovery and environmental resilience.

“These efforts reflect the shared determination of every stakeholder to transform lives andbring  good lasting peace across beneficiary communities,” he said.

Also speaking, Thierno Samba Diallo, the country director, Action Against Hunger, Nigeria (ACF), said RESILAC was designed as a regional programme to address the root cause of poverty in a way to support the federal government, Borno and Yobe states toward addressing it.

He said that the five-year programme was co-designed by the communities, the local authorities, the state authorities and chaired the implementation by the federal ministry of budget and economic planning.

Mr Diallo said that part of the process for implementation was for the stakeholders to come and see the progress of the activities of the RESILAC programme.

Also speaking, Isa Halidu, the Borno commissioner for reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement, advocated for a stronger cooperation among the stakeholders for better results.

Mr Halidu, who was represented by Habu Yajiwa, the Borno Focal Person for the Social Investment Programme, urged implementing partners to remain focused in order to achieve the programme’s objectives.

(NAN)