The federal government on Tuesday expressed commitment to mainstreaming Borno as a focal area in the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Response Plan.

Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, said this in Maiduguri during a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum.

Mr Yilwatda underscored the importance of addressing the state’s unique challenges stemming from years of insurgency and displacement, adding that Borno’s humanitarian needs would take centre stage in the plan starting from January 2025.

“Borno is the main state experiencing a humanitarian crisis in Nigeria. We aim to partner with the state government to ensure its inclusion in the national response plan.

“In addition to addressing immediate needs, the federal government aims to provide long-term solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees,” he said.

Mr Yilwqtda also highlighted plans to integrate the state officials into a national humanitarian response committee.

“We want to ensure that the challenges of Borno State are mainstreamed into the response plan.

“This will not only benefit the state but also serve as a model for other regions facing similar crises,” he said, adding that the ministry was also focusing on durable solutions beyond short-term humanitarian aid.

He said the ministry would empower displaced persons by providing skills and income-generating opportunities to enable them to rebuild their lives and contribute to the economy.

Mr Yilwqtda reiterated commitment to repatriate Nigerian refugees in Chad, Niger and Cameroon, stressing that “these refugees are our brothers and sisters, and we aim to reintegrate them back into their communities in Nigeria.”

He announced plans by the ministry to support farming initiatives for displaced persons and host communities, given the importance of agriculture in fast-tracking the sustainable recovery of the state.

While lauding Mr Zulum over his efforts to rebuild the state, Mr Yilwatda pledged continued collaboration with the state government.

Responding, Mr Zulum highlighted the pressing challenges being faced by the state, including dwindling funding from the UN agencies and development partners to support IDP camps.

 “The NGOs and UN organisations are doing very well, but they lack the available funding to sustain our people in the camps. Therefore, we shall accept the people back to their ancestral homes in a dignified manner,” Mr Zulum said.

He emphasised the need to transition from short-term humanitarian solutions to medium- and long-term strategies that ensure the sustainability and resilience of displaced persons.

The governor also outlined plans to provide livelihood support for Boko Haram victims as well as tackle the complex issue of managing repentant Boko Haram members.

Mr Zulum stressed the importance of repatriating Nigerian refugees from neighbouring countries, particularly Cameroon, within the next three to four months.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to collaborate with federal agencies, the EU, the UN, and other international partners to develop a robust humanitarian response plan.

(NAN)