Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, has officially commissioned a multi-million naira mass housing scheme comprising 152 units for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area. The governor also inaugurated Climate Peace Hubs and a Solar Mini Grid within the council area on Thursday afternoon.
Partnership and Funding
Speaking at the event, Radda explained 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 noted that the state government provided land, perimeter walls, a worship centre, a school, drainage systems, access roads, and furniture for the housing scheme.
In addition to housing, the government channeled N500 million as free grants to 500 Jibia indigenes through the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency to revive small businesses and restore livelihoods.
UNDP Commendation
Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, commended the state government’s leadership and commitment, highlighting that the state’s co-financing contributions were proof of local ownership. Attafuah stated, “Today’s investments are not the end of the story. They are the foundation for what comes next,” adding, “They are helping to create the conditions for recovery, resilience and long-term development.” She emphasized that development itself is one of the ways peace is built, as the two are inseparable, and investment in housing, livelihoods, and opportunity becomes an anchor for stability.
German Government Support
German Ambassador Anneth Gunther assured of Germany’s continued commitment to strengthening collaboration with UNDP and the state government in exploring opportunities to further expand stabilization, recovery, resilience, and prevention programming across the state and the northwest region. Gunther said the collaboration would build on the successes recorded under the Prevention Facility and other state-led peace and development initiatives.
National Security Adviser’s Remarks
The National Security Adviser, represented by the Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Ambassador Abimbola Wonosiko, said the project demonstrates the power of partnership in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development. Abimbola noted that the Centre firmly believes 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.
Project Details
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Prof Abdulhameed Mani, disclosed that construction of the IDP housing scheme began in October 2024 and was completed around mid-2025. Mani explained that each of the 152 houses consists of two bedrooms, a toilet, a bathroom, and a large courtyard for small orchards and animal rearing—reflecting local practice. “The estate includes four main water fetching points, access roads, street lights, and worship centres. Infrastructure supports daily life. It supports dignity,” he added.
He said the beneficiary selection process was rigorous and transparent, with a committee comprising traditional rulers, elders, civil society representatives, youth, and government officials screening applicants from the 11 wards of the council area.
“Beyond housing, the government pursued complementary initiatives. 2,000 received livelihood support in agriculture and small business grants. The Jibia cattle market was upgraded. A new veterinary clinic was constructed. Border security personnel received training on cross-border trade relations. Local Government staff were trained in counseling support services for banditry victims,” the commissioner said.
He further stated that a special committee has been formed to oversee the estate after commissioning, with the mandate to ensure proper maintenance and peaceful coexistence among residents.
Local Government Appreciation
Expressing gratitude for the IDP housing scheme, the executive chairman of the council area, Hon. Sirajo Ado, commended both the state government and UNDP for selecting the council as beneficiary of the project. Ado said he and members of his administration would work to ensure judicious utilization of the housing scheme as well as other projects inaugurated by the state governor.
