Federal government has reiterated its commitment to the implementation of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), in the North East region.
This is part of efforts to demine the region ravaged by years of insurgency.
A statement by the director information, ministry of defence, Henshaw Ogubike said the minister of state for defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle gave the assurance during a meeting with the delegation from the United Nations Mine Action Service, led by director Ileen Cohn, at his office in Ship House, Abuja.
The minister emphasised 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.
Matawalle also stressed the importance of the federal government providing necessary technical support for the establishment of a national Mine Action Center in the North East.
He also stressed the need for 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.
