UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR MEETS WITH LCBGF CHAIRMAN, GOV. MAI MALA BUNI

The Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, who is also the Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, engaged in productive discussions with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohamed M. M. Fall. They explored ways to enhance development partnerships with the state government. The meeting focused on transitioning from humanitarian response to long-term recovery, resilience, and development.

Key points discussed included the implementation of the State Action Plan (SAP) on Durable Solutions to Internal Displacements. Governor Buni praised the partnership’s achievements in areas such as humanitarian response, education, healthcare, livelihoods, governance, peace-building initiatives, and climate resilience.

Governor Buni reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to owning durable solutions, noting that Yobe State has institutionalized this through a comprehensive State Action Plan, a dedicated IDP policy, and a robust State Advisory Committee on Durable Solutions. He emphasized a people-centered and inclusive approach, ensuring that displaced persons and host communities are involved in decision-making and implementation processes.

The Governor highlighted the state government’s plan to allocate 5% of its annual budget to durable solutions over three years. In 2025, the budget for durable solutions saw a significant increase of 24.9%, reflecting the state’s commitment to the UN action agenda on durable solutions.

Mr. Fall congratulated Governor Buni on successfully hosting the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, acknowledging the state’s leadership and organizational capabilities in implementing the State Action Plan on Solutions to Internal Displacements. He appreciated Yobe State’s progress since launching its Action Plan on Durable Solutions.

Mr. Fall emphasized the need to consolidate the gains and move towards full-scale implementation, describing the current pilot as a reference model for other regions facing similar challenges. He assured Governor Buni of the UN’s readiness to provide additional technical and financial support for these efforts, maintaining a commitment to collaborative actions.

The discussion also covered the role of the Security Planning and Coordination Group (SPCG) in ensuring a safe, voluntary, and dignified process for the return, local integration, or relocation of displaced persons.