A visiting delegation of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) on Monday met with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, on accelerating the implementation of the UNMAS programme in the North East region of Nigeria.
Matawalle, who met with with the visiting UNMAS delegation led by its Director, Ileen Cohn, at his office in Ship House, Abuja, said that efforts are being intensified to realize this crucial initiative.
The Minister, who emphasized the government’s dedication to collaborating with UNMAS to facilitate the reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and farmers into society for improved livelihoods.
“We are focused on developing action plans that will facilitate the return of IDPs and farmers to their lands,” he said.
The Minister stressed the importance of Federal government providing necessary technical support for the establishment of a national Mine Action Center in the North East, reiterating its importance in enabling IDPs to access education and reintegrate into their communities.
Earlier, in her response, Cohn commended the Minister’s efforts in bringing the Government of Borno state to support and facilitate this initiative by providing both residential and office accommodation and also highlighted the ongoing progress in establishing the Mine Action Centre in Maiduguri.
She affirmed UNMAS’s commitment in supporting rehabilitation efforts for displaced IDPs and farmers in the region.
