Bauchi Sets Up SOLID Committee to Drive Lasting Support for Displaced Persons

Bauchi Sets Up SOLID Committee to Drive Lasting Support for Displaced Persons

By Bashir Hassan, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has taken a major step towards addressing displacement challenges with the inauguration of a steering committee for the Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) project.

Speaking at the ceremony in Bauchi on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau said the initiative was designed to tackle the growing humanitarian and development needs of internally displaced individuals (IDPs) and the communities hosting them.

He explained that the project goes beyond emergency relief, aiming instead to integrate affected populations into the broader development plans of the state. According to him, the program aims to restore dignity, rebuild livelihoods, and create sustainable opportunities for people displaced by conflict and environmental factors.

Jatau noted that displacement has placed increasing strain on key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and water supply, while also stretching the resources of host communities. He described the SOLID project as a long-term intervention backed by the World Bank, focused on addressing the root causes of vulnerability and promoting inclusive growth.

“The steering committee will serve as the apex decision-making body for the project in the state, ensuring coordination, policy coherence and accountability throughout implementation,” he said.

The committee comprises senior government officials, community leaders and representatives of displaced individuals, reflecting what the deputy governor described as a commitment to inclusive governance.

He urged members of the committee to prioritise transparency, effective collaboration among agencies, and strategic planning to ensure the project’s success. He also called on IDP representatives to actively participate in decision-making processes and ensure that the voices of their communities are heard.

Earlier, the project coordinator, Abdulsamad Abubakar, said the initiative would expand access to essential services such as infrastructure, education and healthcare while also creating economic opportunities for beneficiaries.

Abubakar added that the program would strengthen the capacity of government institutions to respond to displacement issues more effectively, ensuring long-term resilience for both displaced persons and host communities.