Katsina State government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)and with funding from the Government of Germany, has commissioned 152 mass housing units and other development projects in Jibia local government area.
The projects are to rebuild livelihoods, strengthen resilience and promote peace.
At the ceremony, the commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Prof. Abdullahi Ahmed, said the housing project was initiated in October 2024 and completed in May 2025 despite initial plans to finish it by February of the same year.
He explained that the houses were designed to reflect the cultural and traditional lifestyle of rural communities in the state.
According to him, each of the 152 housing units consists of two bedrooms, a toilet and bathroom, as well as spacious courtyards suitable for gardening, livestock rearing and poultry keeping.
Ahmed noted that the estate was also equipped with water points, solar-powered street lighting, washing facilities and other amenities to improve the living conditions of beneficiaries.
Beyond the housing project, the commissioner disclosed that the ministry coordinated several complementary interventions in Jibia, including agricultural and small business support programmes that benefited about 2,000 people, the rehabilitation of the Jibia cattle market, construction of a veterinary clinic, and training programmes for border security personnel and local government staff handling victims of banditry and trauma.
He said all projects planned under the intervention had been successfully completed.
Ahmed further revealed that beneficiaries of the housing units were carefully selected through a transparent screening process involving traditional rulers, civil society groups, youth representatives, government officials and other stakeholders.
He said 152 beneficiaries, comprising 70 women and 82 men from affected communities across the 11 wards of Jibia local government area, were selected for the scheme.
“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 added.
In her remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, described the projects as a significant milestone in efforts to support recovery and resilience in communities affected by insecurity and climate-related challenges.
She noted that the commissioned projects, including the housing units, Climate Peace Hub, rehabilitated cattle market, veterinary clinic, solar mini-grid and climate policy framework, were designed to improve living conditions and create opportunities for sustainable development.
Attafuah praised the resilience of the people of Jibia despite years of insecurity, displacement and economic disruptions.
“These investments provide more than physical infrastructure. They provide dignity, stability, livelihoods and hope for the future,” she said.
According to her, the rehabilitated cattle market and veterinary clinic would help revive 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 would improve access to reliable electricity, creating opportunities for businesses and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The UNDP official commended the Katsina State Government for its commitment and co-financing contributions to the projects, describing the partnership as a model of local ownership and sustainable development.
She also acknowledged the support of the German Federal Foreign Office through the Northwest Prevention Facility, the Government of Norway, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Global Environment Facility and other development partners.
Attafuah stressed that sustainable peace is achieved when communities have access to housing, livelihoods and opportunities.
“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 Katsina State 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 efforts by the Katsina State Government and development partners to support communities affected by insecurity while promoting economic recovery, social cohesion and long-term development across the state.
