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The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has commissioned and handed over 20 resettlement housing units to families displaced by flooding in Benue State.
The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Mr Sadiq Yelwa, performed the ceremony at Mbagen in Buruku Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, saying the project had restored hope and dignity to the victims.
Yelwa, who was represented by the Commission’s Director of Finance and Administration, Mr Jimoh Gabi, said the Federal Government was committed to improving the lives of communities affected by hydroelectric power generation.
According to him, the Commission was established to address the developmental, environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting hydropower-producing communities while intervening in housing, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, environmental protection, renewable energy and empowerment programmes.
Yelwa said 63 housing units were approved across beneficiary LGAs in Benue State, with the first 20 completed and ready for occupation.
He said: “The completed units comprise 10 houses in Buruku and another 10 in Guma LGAs for families displaced by flooding.”
He urged beneficiaries to maintain the homes as lasting assets, while pledging the Commission’s commitment to completing the remaining units and implementing more development projects across its mandate areas.
Yelwa appreciated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the Benue State Government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
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Also, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the resettlement housing project was one of the flagship interventions of his office and represented safety, renewed livelihoods and the Federal Government’s resolve that no community affected by natural disasters would be abandoned.
Akume, who was represented by the Director of Engineering and Technical Services, N-HYPPADEC, Prof. Daniel Ipilakya, said the project also demonstrated the government’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience, reducing disaster risks and improving the quality of life of vulnerable communities.
The state Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, commended N-HYPPADEC and the Federal Government for completing the housing units and handing them over to the victims, stating that they would improve the welfare of communities affected by hydroelectric power projects and address displacement with dignity and compassion.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber, assured the Commission of the state government’s cooperation in facilitating the inspection, handover and occupation of the housing units by the beneficiaries.
Also, the Ter Buruku, HRH Moses Hanior, described the project as a major milestone that would improve the welfare of residents, particularly users of the Mbagen Comprehensive Health Centre.
Hanior promised N-HYPPADEC that the community would protect and maintain the housing units and appealed to the Commission to construct a perimeter fence around the health facility to improve security.
He commended Governor Alia for prioritising rural development and thanked the Chairman of Buruku Local Government, Hon. Raymond Azege, for supporting the successful execution of the project.
