Maureen Okpe
A high-level delegation of international partners has visited Borno State to meet communities affected by conflict and discuss practical steps toward achieving safe and sustainable solutions for displacement across North-East Nigeria.
According to a statement by the British High Commission the visit on Thursday, brought together senior diplomats and development leaders seeking to strengthen collaboration with the Borno State Government on long-term recovery and resilience.
The delegation included the Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja and the ambassadors of Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, as well as the UNHCR Representative to Nigeria.
Read Also: UK British International Investment Bolsters Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector with $7.5m
They met with the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Military Commanding Officer in Banki Garrison to assess ongoing challenges facing internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugee returnees, and host communities.
During the discussions, international partners and state authorities reviewed plans to ensure displaced people can make free and informed choices about where to rebuild their lives.
The talks also centred on improving coordination among government agencies, security forces, and development partners to guarantee that all returns and resettlement efforts are carried out in conditions of safety, dignity, and adequate support.
The delegation visited several project sites in Maiduguri, including El Miskin IDP camp and Musari community, where they interacted with displaced women and families benefiting from education, protection, and livelihood initiatives.
One of the key moments of the visit was a tour of Banki in Bama Local Government Area, a garrison town heavily affected by insurgency, where partners observed critical resilience projects being supported by the international community.
Speaking during the visit, the Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja, Ms. Cynthia Rowe, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening peace and stability in the region.
Read Also:Nigeria to host British Council’s first #GG24 Africa Reginal Conference
She said, “The United Kingdom remains steadfast in its support for Nigeria’s efforts to build lasting peace and stability in the North-East.
“Our partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to security, dignity, and opportunity for all communities affected by conflict and displacement.
“Through collaborative initiatives like those in Borno, we are helping to lay the foundations for recovery, resilience, and hope.”
Throughout the mission, international partners restated their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to improve living conditions for displaced and vulnerable populations through humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding, and long-term development programmes.