Germany pledges N1.7bn for 2nd phase of North-East recovery project
The German government has renewed its commitment to rebuilding conflict-affected communities in the Northeastern part of the country with the launch of over N1.7bn (€20m) second phase of the UNICEF-WFP resilience and peacebuilding programme. In a joint press release by UNICEF-WFP, the initiative follows a successful first phase that reached over 150,000 beneficiaries, including under-five […]
The German government has renewed its commitment to rebuilding conflict-affected communities in the Northeastern part of the country with the launch of over N1.7bn (€20m) second phase of the UNICEF-WFP resilience and peacebuilding programme.
In a joint press release by UNICEF-WFP, the initiative follows a successful first phase that reached over 150,000 beneficiaries, including under-five children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, out-of-school children, and food-insecure households.
It added that the new phase aims to expand access to essential services and peacebuilding efforts, targeting more than 200,000 people across Borno and Yobe states.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank, the joint project is being implemented by UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with state governments.
It will now extend into four additional local government areas of Bama and Konduga in Borno, and Potiskum and Jakusko in Yobe.
“Food insecurity in North-East Nigeria remains one of the most critical challenges, exacerbated by climate and economic hardship. Thanks to the support of the German government, climate-adaptive food systems have been revitalised, improving nutrition and economic outcomes for the most vulnerable.
“Phase II will ensure these gains are extended to additional communities in Borno and Yobe states,” said David Stevenson, WFP Country Director in Nigeria.
On her part, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, stressed the impact of the first phase, “Nigeria’s North-East region remains one of the toughest places to be a child or a woman. This is why UNICEF is excited that the impact of phase one of the joint project is improving the wellbeing and resilience at the household level, one child and woman at a time.
“UNICEF appreciates the German government for the continued investment to support the protection of children and the most vulnerable populations in Borno and Yobe states.”
On the same note, the Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Abuja, Dr. Karin Jansen, said, “The German government is proud to support long-term, community-led recovery in North-East Nigeria.
“By working with trusted partners like WFP and UNICEF, we are helping build resilience against conflict and climate-related challenges, especially for children and women.”
Since inception, the project has delivered over 60 solar-powered boreholes, rehabilitated 18 hand pumps, and helped nearly 40,000 out-of-school children return to learning.
It has also supported over 6,000 smallholder farmers with drought-resistant seeds and solar-powered irrigation, boosting food production and household incomes.