North-East Nigeria: Switzerland Commits 25% Support to Yobe State

From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu

The Yobe State Government, under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, has taken a significant step towards addressing the challenges of protracted displacement in the state by launching a comprehensive State Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

This initiative has received a boost from the Swiss government, which has pledged to commit 25% of its total budget for the North-East sub-region to support the implementation of the policy.

The Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Nicholas Lang, made this announcement during a meeting with Governor Buni and other senior officials from the state at the Swiss Ambassador’s residence in Abuja.

Mr. Lang explained that Switzerland’s decision to support Yobe State was based on the state’s “potential and dedication” to providing durable solutions to internal displacement and its willingness to work with external partners.

The Yobe State Action Plan for Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons is a comprehensive document that outlines the state’s strategy for addressing the root causes of displacement and providing sustainable solutions to IDPs.

The plan focuses on reviving local economies, investing in key priority areas, and supporting human capital development in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

Governor Buni emphasized that the Action Plan will help provide a lasting solution to the problem of internal displacement in the state.

“The Action Plan, together with other relevant policies and institutional frameworks in the state, will create a lasting solution that not only meets immediate needs but also supports the short, medium, and long-term socio-economic recovery and development of the state,” he said.

The governor also announced that the Yobe State Government will commit 5% of its annual budget for the next three years to support the implementation of the Action Plan.