President Bola Tinubu officially inaugurated the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC) to address the humanitarian crisis caused by internal displacements across Nigeria. The groundbreaking ceremony for the pilot phase took place in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, President Tinubu explained that the project signifies a shift in the government’s approach to internal displacement and conflict resolution. It also underscores the administration’s commitment to providing not just temporary relief but long-term rehabilitation and reintegration for affected communities.
President Tinubu remarked, “There couldn’t have been a better place for the take-off of this intervention than this diverse state. Kaduna State has offered us a launchpad to venture into the communities dislodged by conflict. For so long, we have been held hostage by the fear of ourselves and allowed preventable incidents to escalate into transgenerational disputes. Today, we gather to say, ‘Enough is enough.'”
He emphasized the administration’s determination to break the cycle of violence and displacement that has plagued various parts of the country for years. “Our journey to this point has been long and arduous, but today, we converge in this historic city to demonstrate our resolve to overcome adversity.”
The RSPIC is designed as a multi-faceted intervention that goes beyond mere infrastructure development. According to President Tinubu, the scheme will “construct residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities for victims of conflict” while also providing “a dignified environment to live and to dream.”
He praised the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, for his efforts in promoting unity. “In just about a year in office, His Excellency Governor Uba Sani has been an inspiration for unity in this beautiful state. His approach is not only a template for other state governors but also for the nation at large.”
President Tinubu noted the national significance of the project, saying, “Conflict and displacement, to us, are not merely regional issues; they are national concerns that demand a unified response. They threaten the very fabric of our society, and it is only through justice, the distribution of democratic dividends, and collaboration that we can overcome these challenges.”
He appealed to those affected by conflict, saying, “To those who have been displaced by conflict, I say this: We see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. Your strength and resilience inspire us all, and under my leadership, we commit to bolstering our nation’s security infrastructure and advancing peace. Now is our time for permanent solutions. This intervention is ours together.”
Governor Uba Sani praised the initiative, stating, “Today is a day of joy because we are about to set the stage for the transformation of this community.” He outlined ongoing efforts to support Tudun Biri, including “constructing a six-kilometer road, building a skill acquisition centre, and a clinic to cater to the medical needs of the people.”
Sani thanked President Tinubu, describing the choice of Tudun Biri for the project as “a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to wiping off the tears of Tudun Biri people and the poor, vulnerable, and underserved in our country.”
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, highlighted the broader implications of the project, stating, “Every brick laid, and every path paved is a symbol of our shared commitment to a future where peace, prosperity, and unity reign supreme.” Umar added that the project would “pave the way for similar initiatives in other states.”
Responding, the Dangaladiman Zauzau, District Head of Rigasa, Mohammad Idris, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Zazzau Emirate Council, noting, “We are happy that this pledge is being fulfilled. This is a commitment on the part of the government which we are very proud of. We sincerely thank Mr President for honoring this promise.”
Dignitaries who attended the event included Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; representatives of the governors of Kano, Katsina, and Kwara States; and several other notable figures.
Earlier in February, the Vice President inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the initiative in fulfillment of President Tinubu’s promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians. The committee, chaired by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, includes representatives of the governors of the benefiting states and members from various federal agencies and private sector groups.
The project will initially focus on seven states disproportionately affected by farmers-herders conflicts: Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna State.
