Radda commissions 152 housing units for displaced persons in Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned a 152-unit mass housing scheme for internally displaced persons, alongside Climate Peace Hubs and a solar mini-grid project in Jibia Local Government Area.

Governor Radda, in his address during the commissioning ceremony, noted that the housing project is the fruit of partnership, as the Katsina State Government worked alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government through GIZ, and the Norwegian Government.

“What was once a vision is now a reality. Recall that we gathered in October 2024 to flag off these projects. That is what hope, partnership and resolute action can achieve together,” the Governor said.

He added that the state government provided land, perimeter fencing, a place of worship, a school, drainage systems, access roads and furniture. The commitment goes further, as the government also channelled ₦500 million as grants to 500 indigenes of Jibia through the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency to revive small businesses and restore livelihoods.

The Governor maintained that Jibia Local Government Area has not recorded a single deliberate attack or kidnapping over the past year. Farmers have returned to their fields, markets are reopening, children are back in school, and prices of staple foods are easing.

“Across the state, productivity has risen and hope is returning where fear once reigned. We are determined that insecurity in this region will be consigned to history,” he said.

The Governor called on communities to protect the fragile peace. “Peace is not the work of government alone. It is built in every household, every market, every mosque and church, every classroom,” he said.

He also extended an olive branch to armed elements, stating: “There is a better way. The doors of dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open. Lay down your arms. Return to your families and communities,” the Governor urged.

Ms Elsie G. Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, commended the Katsina State Government’s leadership and commitment. She highlighted the state’s co-financing contributions as proof of local ownership.

“Today’s investments are not the end of the story. They are the foundation for what comes next,” Attafuah said. “They are helping to create the conditions for recovery, resilience and long-term development.”

She noted that development itself is one of the ways peace is built, and that the two are inseparable, adding that investment in housing, livelihoods and opportunity becomes an anchor for stability.

Also speaking, German Ambassador Annette Gunther appreciated the Katsina State Government’s substantial matching fund towards the completion of the project. She reaffirmed Germany’s continued commitment to strengthening collaboration with UNDP and the state government in expanding stabilisation, recovery, resilience and prevention programmes across Katsina State and the North-West region, building on the successes recorded under the Prevention Facility and other state-led peace and development initiatives.

Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Abdulhameed Ahmed Mani, Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, detailed the scope of the project. 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, reflecting local practice.

He said beneficiary selection was rigorous and transparent, adding that a committee comprising traditional rulers, elders, civil society representatives, youth and government officials screened applicants from all eleven wards in the local government. There was no bias or favouritism, only fairness.

Beyond housing, the government also implemented complementary initiatives. Two thousand beneficiaries received livelihood support in agriculture and small business grants. The Jibia cattle market was upgraded, a new veterinary clinic was constructed, border security personnel were trained on cross-border trade relations, and local government staff were trained in counselling support services for banditry victims.

In the same vein, 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.

He stressed that the centre firmly believes sustainable peace cannot be achieved through security measures alone, but also through investments that strengthen livelihoods, social cohesion, resilience and opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Expressing gratitude for the legacy project, Hon. Sirajo Ado Jibia, Chairman of Jibia Local Government Area, commended the Radda-led administration and UNDP for selecting the council as a beneficiary of the housing units and other developmental projects.