The Katsina State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with funding support from the Government of Germany, has commissioned 152 mass housing units and several community development projects in Jibia Local Government Area aimed at rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening resilience and promoting peace in communities affected by insecurity.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Professor Abdullahi Ahmed, said the housing scheme was conceived in October 2024 and completed in May 2025, despite an earlier target completion date of February 2025.
He explained that the housing units were designed to reflect the cultural and traditional lifestyle of rural communities in Katsina State, particularly those in border areas impacted by displacement and insecurity.
According to him, each of the 152 housing units contains two bedrooms, a toilet and bathroom, as well as spacious courtyards that can support gardening, livestock rearing and small-scale poultry farming.
Ahmed added that the estate was fitted with basic infrastructure, including water points, solar-powered street lighting, washing facilities and other amenities intended to improve living standards for beneficiaries.
Beyond housing, the commissioner disclosed that the intervention package included agricultural and small business support programmes that reached about 2,000 beneficiaries, rehabilitation of the Jibia cattle market, construction of a veterinary clinic, and capacity-building programmes for border security personnel and local government officials managing victims of banditry and trauma.
He said all components of the intervention had been fully completed and handed over for use.
Ahmed further explained that beneficiaries of the housing scheme were selected through a transparent process involving traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth representatives, government officials and other stakeholders.
He said 152 beneficiaries were drawn across the 11 wards of Jibia Local Government Area, comprising 70 women and 82 men affected by insecurity and displacement.
“A special committee has been established to oversee the management and maintenance of the estate to ensure peaceful coexistence among residents and sustainability of the facilities,” he said.
In her remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, described the projects as a major milestone in efforts to support recovery and resilience in communities affected by insecurity and climate-related challenges.
She said the intervention, which includes housing units, a Climate Peace Hub, rehabilitated cattle market, veterinary clinic, solar mini-grid and climate policy framework, was designed to improve living conditions and create opportunities for sustainable development.
“These investments provide more than physical infrastructure. They provide dignity, stability, livelihoods and hope for the future,” she said.
Attafuah noted that the rehabilitated cattle market and veterinary clinic would help revive local economic activities, while the Climate Peace Hub would serve as a platform for addressing climate-related challenges and strengthening community cohesion.
She added that the solar mini-grid component would enhance access to reliable electricity, thereby supporting businesses and improving the quality of life in the area.
The UNDP official commended the Katsina State Government for its commitment and co-financing role in the projects, describing the partnership as a model for local ownership and sustainable development.
She also acknowledged the support of development partners, including the Government of Germany through the Northwest Prevention Facility, the Government of Norway, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Global Environment Facility and other agencies.
Attafuah stressed that sustainable peace is closely tied to development outcomes.
“Development is not only what happens after peace is achieved; development itself is one of the ways peace is built,” she said.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, representatives of the German Government, UN agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Jibia.
The projects form part of broader recovery and stabilization efforts aimed at supporting communities affected by insecurity while promoting economic recovery, social cohesion and long-term development in Katsina State.
