Borno State in partnership with the federal government will provide a cash assistance of N500,000 to each refugee willing to return home, while women households will be given N100,000 each, Zulum announced. The pledge opened a new sense of hope for thousands who have spent many years away from their homes. Governor Babagana Umara Zulum gave this assurance while addressing refugees at the Minawao camp in Cameroon’s Far North region, as part of government efforts to repatriate those who remain.
Over 12,000 Nigerian refugees from Kirawa, Ngoshe, Ashigashiya and surrounding communities in Gwoza Local Government Area have been living in the camp for more than a decade.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring the dignity of victims of insurgency, including Nigerians displaced in Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The visit provided a major relief and renewed optimism for many, who described his presence as their first real assurance that returning home was finally becoming realistic.
Governor Zulum informed the refugees that adequate security arrangements had been put in place in their home communities, following years of expanded military operations and civilian security initiatives across Gwoza and other parts of Borno. “The welfare of refugees, internally displaced persons, and returnees remains a priority for us,” Zulum said, noting that rebuilding the lives of insurgency survivors is a core pillar of his administration’s humanitarian and development agenda.
He announced cash support for shelter rehabilitation for those willing to return, a measure designed to help families reconstruct their homes. In addition, the governor pledged to drill boreholes for the refugees to improve water availability. “Borno State in partnership with the federal government will provide a cash assistance of N500 000 to each refugee that is willing to return home, while women households will be given N100,000 each,” Zulum announced.
The governor of the Far North Region of Cameroon, Mijinyawa Bakari, praised Zulum’s consistent concern, describing his support for displaced Nigerians in Cameroon as exemplary and deeply humanitarian. “Borno State Governor has consistently demonstrated genuine concern and responsibility for his people, even beyond Nigeria’s borders,” Bakari stated.
He acknowledged the sustained humanitarian assistance and the governor’s long-standing interventions in the Minawao Refugee Camp. “Zulum’s physical presence and hands-on support has not only provided relief to the refugees but has also strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon in addressing displacement and regional stability,” he added.
During his visit, Governor Zulum toured farmlands allocated to the refugees by the Cameroonian government, which have become their primary source of livelihood. He commended the refugees’ resilience and appreciated the host authorities’ support.
The governor assured farmers that his administration would provide irrigation kits and water sources to expand productivity. “Empowering refugees to maintain their livelihoods is central to restoring dignity and ensuring a smooth transition back into their communities,” Zulum stressed.
The governor was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, members of his cabinet, the Chairman of Gwoza Local Government and other officials.
