Osinbajo unveils details of northeast redevelopment plan aimed at post-Boko Haram reconstruction

ACTING president Professor Yemi Osinbajo has revealed plans to start the implementation of a comprehensive rebuilding programme for northeast Nigeria to address the social problems caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Since 2009, Boko Haram has been waging a war against the Nigerian state, which has led to widespread dislocation across northeast Nigeria. At the moment, Nigeria has the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world and given the fact that Boko Haram once controlled about 14 local government areas, much of Borno State is in ruins.

Yesterday, Professor Osinbajo met with by the chief of staff to the president Abba Kyari, national security adviser Banagana Monguno, defence minister Mansur Dan-Ali, Borno State governor Kashim Shettima, and the service chiefs. At the meeting, the acting president said while the whole region was intended to be covered eventually, the plan will begin with Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Presidential spokesman Laolu Akande, said: “Under what has been termed as the Bama Initiative, the federal government will contribute 67% of the funding, while Borno State would provide the balance of 33%. Covering towns such Bama, Banki, Gulumba Gara and others, the federal government in partnership with the Borno State government is expected to carry out actual re-construction of houses for the return of IDPs as well as provide infrastructure such as roads for Bama town and adjoining communities.

“This initiative will also see to the kitting and deployment of thousands of police officers and officers of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps who are expected to be trained for the special task. Equally, 20 doctors, 100 nurses and other relevant health officers are to be recruited to provide essential health services for the town, in addition to the employment of teachers who will be deployed to 18 new schools to be constructed in the areas.

“Road re-construction projects are also featured under the Bama Initiative which is now under exploration, including the rehabilitation of Maiduguri-Bama-Daral Jamal-Banki road network. The welfare of returnees is also a major priority of the plan, ensuring a comprehensive support programme for IDPs as they return.”

According to Mr Akande, the implementation of the plan which includes several towns is an initiative that would lead to the construction of 3000 new homes, 10 police stations, 18 primary and secondary schools, health centres. It also involves the creation of a Special Bama Squad for security and the recruitment of 1500 local hunters as Agro Rangers, due to kick-off in a few weeks time.