The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle says the Federal Government will provide necessary technical support for the establishment of a National Mine Action Center in the North East.
He also assured that the government would continue to support the United Nations Mine Action Service, UNMAS, programmes in the region.
Mr Matawalle gave the assurance during a meeting with the UNMAS delegation, led by the Director, Ileen Cohn, in Abuja.
The since its deployment in July 2018 at the request of the Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, UNMAS Nigeria has provided critical life-saving assistance.
The main objectives are to develop the national capacities to protect the civilians from the threats of mines and explosives, and to mitigate immediate threats for the vulnerable population in the North-east.
The activities include coordination, risk reduction, victim assistance, nontechnical survey, and capacity development for the national and state authorities as well as a civil society organizations.
The minister said that the national mine action center would support efforts to not only resettle displaced persons, but also enable Internally Displaced Persons to access education.
Mr Matawalle emphasised the government’s commitment to collaborating with UNMAS to facilitate the full reintegration of IDPs and farmers, and return of economic activities for improved livelihood.
He stressed that efforts were being intensified to realise this crucial initiative, adding “we are focused on developing action plans that will facilitate the return of IDPs and farmers to their lands”.
Earlier, Ms Cohn commended the minister’s efforts in bringing the Government of Borno to support and facilitate the initiative by providing residential and office accommodation to the UNMAS.
She highlighted the ongoing progress in establishing the national mine action centre in Maiduguri and affirmed their commitment in supporting the rehabilitation efforts for IDPs and farmers in the North East.
(NAN)
