By Abdulkareem Haruna

The United Nations (UN) has committed to a partnership with the Borno State government and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to address the needs of approximately 2.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North East states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, regions severely affected by Boko Haram.

Robert Piper, the UN Assistant Secretary General and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General on Internal Displacement, announced the partnership during a visit to the NEDC’s Managing Director and CEO, Mohammed Alkali, in Maiduguri.

Piper explained that the UN delegation’s visit aimed to understand the state and the NEDC’s approach to the humanitarian crisis and explore how the UN could support Borno’s Governor Babagana Zulum. Zulum has demonstrated dedication to resettling and reintegrating citizens displaced primarily in 2011 due to insurgency.

Piper emphasized that addressing displacement is a long-term development task requiring significant investment in infrastructure, functional health facilities, and education. “The solution to displacement is not an overnight event. It requires investment in infrastructure, functioning health facilities, and the return of displaced persons to schools,” Piper said.

He praised the NEDC as a key player in this long-term development, acknowledging the organization’s extensive plans and portfolio. Piper highlighted that the focus is not only on the 2.2 million displaced individuals, but also on uplifting the communities where they reside.

In response, Alkali expressed his appreciation for the UN’s vision and concern for the IDPs. He suggested focusing on areas such as road construction and enhancing agricultural and food security in the region.

Vice President Kashim Shettima recently inaugurated the Jere bowl road in Borno to stimulate rice and vegetable production. Alkali assured the delegation of NEDC’s commitment to improving access to education and farmlands, aiming to create jobs for women and youths in the six conflict-affected states of Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe, and Yobe.

Alkali also emphasized the need to protect the environment and restore the livelihoods and economic activities of the IDPs.