In a significant development, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a United Nations migration agency, announced the successful conclusion of arrangements for constructing permanent shelters for individuals affected by the humanitarian crisis in northeast Nigeria. This marks the final stage of the comprehensive Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Plan for the region, which has been grappling with the profound impact of the Boko Haram crisis for over a decade.
Chief of Mission for IOM Nigeria, Laurent de Boeck, shared this information during a media briefing held on Wednesday, preceding the launch of the ‘Home After Crisis’ durable solutions housing project design competition in Abuja.
De Boeck highlighted the escalating violence in the North-East of Nigeria since 2015, resulting in an unprecedented housing emergency, with an estimated 3.5 million people losing their homes or living in precarious conditions by 2023. Notably, Nigeria faces a significant housing deficit of around 23 million, necessitating the construction of one million housing units annually for the next two decades.
The IOM, in collaboration with the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF), initiated the ‘home after crisis’ project to aid those affected by the humanitarian crisis. De Boeck emphasized that the housing project design competition attracted 1,600 designers, architects, and engineers from 100 countries. These professionals collectively produced 250 design proposals for low-cost and innovative housing solutions, aiming to address the housing challenges linked to Nigeria’s rapidly growing population.
The primary objective of the housing competition is to provide access to affordable housing constructed with the goal of delivering climate-proof residences using local materials. De Boeck expressed that the competition serves as a platform to engage the global community in addressing the housing challenges faced by the region.
Furthermore, the Chief of Mission underscored the transformative nature of the program, aiming to shift from dependency on humanitarian intervention to sustainable solutions. De Boeck emphasized the importance of gradually changing mindsets and perceptions surrounding humanitarian efforts.
Nicola D’addabro, the project coordinator and International Consultant at IOM, added that the project is a multi-year endeavor. He highlighted its focus on globally evolving solutions and empowering the local population to take ownership of the project by actively participating in the process.
Davies Okoko, IOM Project Manager for Shelter, noted during the press briefing that approximately 9,000 people have successfully transitioned from camps and camp-like settings to settled homes. With their immediate housing needs addressed, the focus has shifted to health and education, with ongoing efforts to provide livelihood support. The project aims to not only offer shelter but also create a sustainable and holistic impact on the lives of those affected by the crisis.
