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Arrangement for Building Permanent Shelters for IDPs in Northeast Concluded-IOM
Arrangement for Building Permanent Shelters for IDPs in Northeast Concluded-IOM
By: Michael Mike
United Nations migration agency, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has said arrangement has been concluded towards building permanent shelters for those affected by humanitarian crisis in northeast Nigeria as a final step in the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan for the region which was adversely impacted by the over a decade Boko Haram crisis.
Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Laurent de Boeck made this known at a media briefing on Wednesday ahead of the launch of the durable solutions housing project design competition, tagged ‘Home After Crisis’, in Abuja.
He said: “Since 2015, the North-East of Nigeria has faced escalating violence leading to an unprecedented housing emergency.
“As of 2023, an estimated 3.5 million has lost their homes or lived in precarious conditions.
“Nigeria currently experiences an acute housing deficit estimated at around 23 million, requiring the construction of one million housing units annually for the next 20 years
He disclosed that the IOM has designed a plan to come to the aid of those affected by this humanitarian crisis through the ‘home after crisis’ funded by the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund, (NHF). He added that competition which brought together 1,600 designers, architects and engineers across 100 countries was held for the housing project.
He said: “Those architects have developed 250 design proposals for low-cost and innovative housing.The housing competition targets the housing challenges linked to Nigeria’s rapidly growing population
“The aim is to provide access to affordable housing built with the goal of delivery climate proof housing with local materials. The housing competition paves way to engage the world in addressing these challenges.”
De Boeck added that the programme hopes to change mindsets and the way humanitarian intervention is perceived as it transits to durable solutions, a gradual shift from the norm.
He said: “We will be doing this in silos. This is a gradual shift from the norm, it looks at how we can move from dependency on humanitarian intervention intervention to sustainability.”
The project coordinator and International Consultant, IOM, Nicola D’addabro, revealed that the project is a process that will take some years to complete.
He said the project also looks at the globally evolving solutions and how to enable the people own the project by being engaged in the process.
IOM Project Manager, Shelter, Davies Okoko, who also spoke at the Presser, said “9, 000 people have transitioned from our camps and camp-like: settings and have settled into homes.
“Their needs are more focused now on heath and education. We have taken care of their immediate needs of housing and we are also providing livelihood. So housing, water and sanitary facilities are provided.
Arrangement for Building Permanent Shelters for IDPs in Northeast Concluded-IOM
News
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global collaboration in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) completed advanced training at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the increasing sophistication of criminal networks across borders requires deeper international cooperation and a coordinated global offensive.
Marwa stressed that criminal syndicates no longer operate within isolated territories, making intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building among nations indispensable in dismantling drug cartels and organised crime groups.
The ceremony, held at the elite DEA Training Academy, brought together officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya for an intensive programme designed to sharpen investigative, operational and strategic enforcement capabilities. Participants were equipped with advanced skills to combat complex drug trafficking networks and related transnational crimes.
Describing the event as deeply significant, Marwa noted that the course was dedicated to members of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Referencing the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” Marwa said it captured the collective resolve of partner countries against the global drug menace. He emphasised that only a unified, intelligence-driven response can effectively confront criminal enterprises that thrive on cross-border operations.
The NDLEA boss expressed confidence that the knowledge and competencies acquired by the graduating officers would significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of their respective agencies. He charged them to apply the training with integrity, professionalism and courage upon returning home, while upholding the highest standards of service.
Marwa also conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership and instructors for their continued mentorship and investment in capacity development.
He said the graduation marked not the end of training but the beginning of renewed responsibility, urging the officers to protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
Marwa expressed optimism that the partnership between the NDLEA and the DEA would continue to deepen, yielding sustained success in the shared fight against illicit drugs and organised crime.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
By: Our Reporter
Shortly after his bilateral discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Vice President Kashim Shettima moved on to a high-level meeting on Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The session, organized by Africa CDC and fully supported by the Nigerian government, convenes African leaders and health policymakers to chart the path toward strengthening the continent’s health emergency preparedness, response systems, and pharmaceutical independence.
Joining the Vice President at the meeting are key Nigerian officials including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar.
Other African health ministers in attendance include Dr. Ibrahim Sy of Senegal, Madalisto Baloyi of Malawi, and Dr. Mekdes Daba of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
By: Zagazola Makama
Five civilians were abducted on Feb. 12, 2026, by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Doro Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, the Police Command reported.
Sources disclosed that the victims, Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu, were taken while purchasing fresh fish at a local market around 7:00 a.m.
The troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/hunters immediately responded to the incident.
Relevant intelligence has been gathered, and search and rescue operations are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
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