EU, France, Switzerland, Germany back Yobe’s shift from aid to long-term recovery

Donors inspect IDP projects, launch RESILAC II to drive resilience in North-East

The European Union, Switzerland, France, Germany and the United Nations have reaffirmed their commitment to help Yobe State move beyond humanitarian relief and into long-term recovery, resilience and sustainable development.

The pledge came at the end of a two-day technical mission to Yobe, where development partners reviewed donor-funded projects, met government officials and community leaders, and assessed interventions for internally displaced persons, livelihoods and water management.

The mission was part of a broader July 5–10 joint visit to Yobe and Adamawa. Delegates included the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the Embassy of Switzerland, the French Development Agency, AFD, *GIZ*, UN agencies and implementing partners.

—From relief to durable solutions—

In Damaturu, the delegation held talks with the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, YOSEMA, the Durable Solutions Secretariat and other state authorities on progress, sustainability and aligning donor programmes with the state’s recovery agenda.

A major highlight was the inspection of the proposed site for the EU-funded Support for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria, SIDPIN programme in Maisandari Community. Jointly implemented by IOM, UNHCR and UN-Habitat, SIDPIN targets sustainable local integration for IDPs and host communities through housing, health, education and social infrastructure.

The team also visited Swiss-funded durable solutions projects by Save the Children in Maisandari and Sumsumma. They met community peace ambassadors, farmers, livestock beneficiaries and early warning committees working to strengthen livelihoods and resilience.

At primary healthcare facilities, the delegation engaged Mother-to-Mother Support Groups and nutrition volunteers delivering community-based maternal and child health services.

—RESILAC II and water security—

The mission featured the official kick-off workshop for the Inclusive Economic and Social Recovery in the Lake Chad Region, RESILAC II. The EU, AFD, Action Against Hunger, CARE International and government partners outlined plans to accelerate economic recovery and strengthen resilience in conflict-affected communities.

On water security, delegates visited the Hadejia-Jama’are Komadugu Yobe Trust Fund and reviewed the LACHAWAMA project by GIZ, which seeks to improve sustainable water resource management across the state.

—“Locally led approaches matter”—

Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the visit underscored Europe’s long-term commitment.

“This joint visit reflects the European Union’s continued commitment to supporting people and institutions in Yobe State as they move from crisis response towards recovery, resilience and durable solutions,” he said.

Aline Bürki, Humanitarian Adviser at the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria, stressed dignity for displaced persons.

“The integrated approach, which focuses on livelihood opportunities, water and sanitation services, climate preparedness and peacebuilding, demonstrates what can be accomplished when humanitarian and development actors work closely with government and communities.”

Sally Ibrahim, AFD Programme Manager for Nigeria, ECOWAS and the Lake Chad Region, described the launch of RESILAC II in Yobe as “an important step” in aligning government and partners behind recovery goals.

Boubakar Abdou Boko, Regional Project Manager for GIZ Nigeria, linked water to peace and health.

“Through LACHAWAMA and our engagement with the Hadejia-Jama’are Komadugu Yobe Trust Fund, GIZ remains committed to strengthening institutions and helping communities manage water resources in a way that responds to current needs while protecting the future.”

Speaking for Governor Mai Mala Buni, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Goje Muhammed welcomed the partnership.

“Durable solutions are most sustainable when government leads, communities participate, and partners align behind nationally and sub-national owned priorities,” he said. “Together, we are moving beyond immediate humanitarian response toward resilience, recovery and lasting development gains.”

—Next steps—

At the close of the mission, partners commended the state government, community leaders and implementers. They agreed on fresh priorities to deepen investments in durable solutions, livelihoods, water management and essential public services.

Yobe remains one of the states worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgency. While security has improved in many areas, thousands of displaced families still need long-term support to rebuild.

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International partners say the shift from emergency aid to programmes focused on durable solutions, economic recovery and climate resilience reflects a broader strategy to secure sustainable development in Nigeria’s North-East.