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A high-level delegation from the European Union, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Benue State Government on Wednesday commissioned a 500,000-litre-per-day water treatment plant and formally handed over 600 newly constructed shelters to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Naka, headquarters of Gwer-West Local Government Area.
The projects are part of ongoing humanitarian interventions aimed at improving living conditions for displaced populations and host communities affected by insecurity in the state. The water facility, funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), is expected to address acute water shortages in the area, enhance sanitation standards, and contribute to better public health outcomes—particularly in IDP camps where access to potable water has remained a persistent challenge.
Governor Hyacinth Iormemem Alia, represented by his Deputy, Sam Ode, described the twin initiatives as critical components of the state’s broader efforts to tackle humanitarian needs arising from displacement. He emphasized that reliable access to clean water and dignified shelter are essential for restoring stability and dignity to affected families while supporting long-term recovery in host communities.
The 600 shelters form the first phase of a larger 960-unit housing project also funded by ECHO, with construction of the remaining 360 units currently in progress. The handover took place at a newly established IDP camp in Naka, where the delegation also visited displaced persons at the Universal Basic Education (UBE) camp to assess conditions on the ground.
The visiting delegation included the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. Bernard Doroo; IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche; EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignon; and ECHO representative, Comfort Agwu, alongside officials from various United Nations agencies and other development partners.
The Benue State Government has expressed optimism that these interventions will significantly alleviate suffering, reduce health risks associated with poor water and sanitation, and create a more stable environment for IDPs in Gwer-West and surrounding areas. The projects underscore continued international support for humanitarian response in Benue amid ongoing displacement challenges driven by conflict and insecurity in parts of the state.
