Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda has commissioned a multi-million naira 152 Mass Housing Scheme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area.

The governor also inaugurated Climate Peace Hubs, as well as as a Solar Mini Grid within the council area on Thursday afternoon.

Speaking, Radda said the housing project is the fruit of partnership as Katsina State Government worked alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government through GIZ, and the Norwegian Government.

He added that the state government provided land, perimeter walls, a worship centre, a school, drainage systems, access roads, and furniture for the housing scheme.

He said government also channelled ₦500 million as free grants to 500 Jibia indigenes through the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency to revive small businesses and restore livelihoods.

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 was proof of local ownership.

Attafuah said, “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.”

He said development itself is one of the ways peace is built as the two are inseparable, even as he added that investment in housing, livelihoods, and opportunity becomes an anchor for stability.

Also speaking, 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.

The National Security Adviser, represented by the Director Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Ambassador Abimbola Wonosiko, said the project demonstrate the power of partnership in advancing peace, security and sustainable development.

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

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Prof Abdulhameed Mani, said construction of the IDP housing scheme began in October 2024 and completed around mid-2025.

Mani said each of the 152 houses consists of two bedrooms, toilet, 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 was rigorous and transparent, adding that a committee comprising traditional rulers, elders, civil society representatives, youth, and government officials, screened 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 said a special committee has been formed to oversee the estate after commissioning, with their mandate being to ensure proper maintenance and peaceful coexistence among residents.

Expressing gratitude for the IDP housing scheme, executive chairman of the council area, Hon. Sirajo Ado, commented both the state government and the UNDP for selecting the council as beneficiary of the project.

Ado said he abd members of his administration would work to ensure judicious utilisation of the housing scheme as well as other projects that were inaugurated by the state governor.