Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has officially commissioned a 152-unit mass housing scheme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), along with climate peace hubs and a solar mini-grid, in Jibia Local Government Area of the state.
Partnership-Driven Project
During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Radda emphasized that the housing project is the fruit of collaboration between the Katsina State Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government through GIZ, and the Norwegian Government. He recalled that the projects were flagged off in October 2024, noting that what was once a vision is now a living reality built on hope, partnership, and resolute action.
The state government provided land, perimeter walls, a worship centre, a school, drainage systems, access roads, and furniture. Additionally, the government channeled ₦500 million as free grants to 500 Jibia indigenes through the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency to revive small businesses and restore livelihoods.
Security and Economic Recovery
Governor Radda stated that Jibia Local Government Area has not recorded a single deliberate attack or kidnapping in the past year. Farmers have returned to their fields, markets are reopening, children are back in school, and prices of staple foods are easing. Productivity has risen across the state, and hope is rising where fear once reigned. He reiterated his determination to consign insecurity to history.
The governor called on communities to guard the fragile peace, emphasizing that peace is not the work of government alone but is built in every household, market, mosque, church, and classroom. He extended an olive branch to armed elements, urging them to embrace dialogue, repentance, and reintegration, and to lay down their arms and return to their families and communities.
UNDP and German Support
Ms. Elsie G Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, commended the Katsina State Government’s leadership and commitment, highlighting the state’s co-financing contributions as proof of local ownership. She noted that today’s investments are the foundation for recovery, resilience, and long-term development, and that development itself is a way to build peace.
German Ambassador Anneth Gunther appreciated the state government’s substantial matching fund towards the project’s completion. She assured continued commitment to strengthening collaboration with UNDP and the state government in expanding stabilization, recovery, resilience, and prevention programming across Katsina State and the Northwest region.
Project Details
Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Professor Abdulhameed Ahmed Mani, detailed the project’s scope. Construction began in October 2024 and was completed around mid-2025. Each of the 152 houses consists of two bedrooms, a toilet, a bathroom, and a large courtyard for small orchards and animal rearing. The estate includes four main water fetching points, access roads, street lights, and worship centres.
Beneficiary selection was rigorous and transparent, involving a committee of traditional rulers, elders, civil society representatives, youth, and government officials from all eleven wards in the local government. Beyond housing, 2,000 beneficiaries received livelihood support in agriculture and small business grants. The Jibia cattle market was upgraded, a new veterinary clinic constructed, border security personnel trained on cross-border trade relations, and local government staff trained in counseling support services for banditry victims. A special committee has been formed to oversee the estate’s maintenance and peaceful coexistence.
National Security Adviser’s Remarks
The National Security Adviser, represented by Abimbola Wonosiko, Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), said the project demonstrates the power of partnership in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development. He stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through security measures alone but also through investments that strengthen livelihoods, social cohesion, resilience, and opportunities for vulnerable populations.
Local Government Chairman’s Gratitude
Hon. Sirajo Ado Jibia, Chairman of Jibia Local Government, expressed gratitude to Governor Radda’s administration and UNDP for selecting the area as the beneficiary of these housing units and other developmental projects. The event was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal, Speaker Nasir Yahaya Daura, Chief of Staff Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, government officials, development partners from within and outside Nigeria, and other security stakeholders.
