Governor Babagana Zulum has called for increased investment in housing, livelihoods and infrastructure to support the recovery of conflict-displaced persons in Northeast Nigeria.

Mr Zulum made the call on Thursday at the 25th anniversary celebration of the International Organisation for Migration in Nigeria, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

The governor, who joined other dignitaries at the event, said humanitarian assistance must be complemented with sustainable recovery programmes to enable displaced persons to rebuild their lives and achieve self-reliance.

He commended IOM for its life-saving interventions and support to displaced families in Borno and other parts of the North-East.

Mr Zulum recalled that the insurgency had forced thousands of families to abandon their homes, farmlands and communities, resulting in prolonged displacement and humanitarian challenges. He said the crisis had also affected neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger, underscoring the need for stronger regional cooperation among governments, humanitarian organisations and development partners.

The governor stressed that emergency relief remained necessary but must be followed by sustained investment in recovery and development. He urged partners to prioritise permanent and semi-permanent shelters, livelihood opportunities, infrastructure development and environmental restoration to address the challenges facing displaced communities.

According to him, such interventions will help affected families regain their independence, restore their livelihoods and live with dignity.

Mr Zulum reaffirmed the Borno government’s commitment to collaborate with IOM and other development partners to advance recovery, improve livelihoods, and promote stability across conflict-affected communities in the North-East.

The anniversary celebration brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners and other stakeholders to review IOM’s interventions in Nigeria and discuss future cooperation in migration management, humanitarian assistance, recovery and development.

(NAN)