Yobe secures $3.4m Swiss aid to address flood, conflict displacement

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has secured $3.4 million (N5.44 billion) from Switzerland to address the humanitarian crisis and displacement of persons caused by recent floods and conflicts in the state.

According to him, the humanitarian support funding will also sustain economic development and growth for the 2025-2026 period.

Buni unveiled the securing of N5.44 billion on Friday when a delegation from the Embassy of Switzerland, led by Nicolas Martin-Achard, paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, Damaturu.

“I commend the Swiss government for providing durable solutions for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state,” he said, noting that the financial support will address the humanitarian crisis and displacement of persons, including the restoration of people’s livelihoods in communities.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of collaboration that will ensure “trust and commitments” for impactful and durable solutions to the humanitarian crisis.

He attributed the crisis of massive displacement of persons to the over-a-decade-long conflict that affected most of the local councils in the state.

The governor pledged to work closely with Switzerland and other development partners to achieve lasting peace, stability, and economic development.

Martin-Achard, who serves as the First Secretary for Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation, commended Buni for overcoming the challenges of displacement in the state.

He also expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to transform the lives of vulnerable populations.

The high-level meeting was attended by the Country Director of Save the Children International, the Yobe State Coordinator of the SOLID Project, and a representative of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).