Bauchi Inaugurates SOLID Steering Committee to Tackle Displacement, Strengthen Host Communities
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Government has formally inaugurated the State Steering Committee for the Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) Project, reaffirming its commitment to addressing displacement and improving the welfare of affected populations.
Speaking during the inauguration at the Deputy Governor’s Chambers, Government House, Bauchi, the Deputy Governor said the initiative represents a decisive step toward ensuring that internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their host communities are not left behind in the state’s development agenda.
He described the event as more than a ceremonial gathering, noting that it underscores the government’s resolve to restore dignity, rebuild livelihoods, and provide sustainable solutions for citizens affected by conflict and climate-related displacement.
According to him, Bauchi State, like many parts of the North-East, has witnessed significant displacement, placing pressure on critical sectors such as healthcare, education, water supply, and agriculture, while also stretching the resources of host communities.
The Deputy Governor explained that the World Bank-supported SOLID Project is designed as a long-term development intervention rather than a temporary relief programme, with a focus on addressing root causes of vulnerability and promoting inclusive growth.
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He said the newly inaugurated Steering Committee would serve as the highest decision-making body for the project in the state, ensuring effective coordination, policy alignment, and accountability in implementation.
The committee comprises top government officials, including commissioners from key sectors, representatives of traditional institutions, and crucially, members representing internally displaced persons.
He emphasised the importance of inclusivity, urging IDP representatives to actively contribute to decision-making processes and hold stakeholders accountable to the needs of their communities.
The Deputy Governor further charged the committee to prioritise strategic alignment, inter-agency coordination, transparency, and sustainability to ensure that the gains of the project endure beyond its lifespan.
Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, Dr. Abdulsamad Abubakar, said the World Bank-backed initiative is structured to enhance access to basic services such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare, while also promoting livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries.
He added that the project would also strengthen the capacity of government institutions to respond effectively to displacement challenges.
The five-year programme will initially target the most affected areas, with expansion to other communities based on need and impact assessments.