News

Restoring dignity: 110 Families in Gwoza and Banki, Nigeria receive safe and durable shelters

899 individuals in Gwoza and Banki, Borno State, Nigeria, have moved into newly built shelters constructed by DRC Nigeria with support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Posted on 03 Mar 2025

Gwoza and Banki communities in Borno State, Nigeria, have been deeply affected by the decade-long conflict that has displaced thousands of families, stripping them of safety and stability. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, and host community members have faced overwhelming challenges, including limited access to food, water, healthcare, and secure shelter.

For many, the lack of proper shelter exacerbates their vulnerabilities, exposing them to harsh weather, insecurity, and the risk of exploitation. Amidst this crisis, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), provided durable shelter solutions to assist the people of Gwoza and Banki.

In the project, 80 transitional mudbrick shelters were constructed in six communities across Gwoza Local Government Area for 725 individuals in 80 households and 30 Interlocking Stabilised Soil Bricks (ISSB) shelters for 174 individuals and 30 households in Banki. The project was not merely about providing physical structures—it represented safety, dignity, and the chance for a fresh start.

The shelters were built using locally sourced materials and traditional mudbrick techniques, which reduced environmental impact and promoted sustainability. Skilled and unskilled community members including IDPs, returnees and host community members were actively involved in the construction process, learning valuable skills such as masonry and carpentry ensuring inclusivity and shared benefits. Notably, the DRC also introduced a new technique, Interlocking Stabilised Soil Bricks (ISSB), and trained 30 beneficiaries in its application, which was used to construct 30 ISSB shelters in Banki.

Personal stories

In 2013, conflict forced Amina to flee her hometown Walla to Gwoza leaving behind her home and belongings. Upon arrival in Gwoza, Amina and her family of seven sought refuge in a government secondary school, where they lived in a makeshift tarpaulin shelter. The conditions were harsh, with limited privacy and exposure to the elements.

For years, Amina struggled with uncertainty, worrying about her children’s well-being in such unsafe conditions. Finding food and clean water was a daily challenge, and the lack of proper sanitation heightened the risk of illness.

After the newly constructed homes were completed, Amina and her family were moved into one of them.

The stability provided by the shelter allowed Amina to focus on rebuilding her life, seeking income opportunities, and ensuring a better future for her family.

Musa has faced years of displacement since 2013, moving from one IDP camp to another across different states. In 2021, he finally returned to Gwoza, but his home was in ruins.

“Coming back was a mix of emotions,” Musa says. “I was happy to return but heartbroken to see what was left of my house.”

Musa and his family moved into a newly built mudbrick shelter with a sense of stability and belonging.

With a secure roof over their heads, Musa and his family could focus on rebuilding their lives. The stability of having a permanent shelter provided them with a sense of belonging and security, allowing Musa to seek work and his children to attend school without fear of displacement.

With this new home, we finally feel secure; we no longer have to fear the rains or scorching heat destroying our shelter. My children can sleep peacefully, and we have the privacy we never had before.

/ Amina

This shelter gave us a fresh start. For the first time in years, we finally have a place to call home.

/ Musa

Overcoming challenges, strengthening resilience

No project is without its challenges, and this was no exception. Inflation drove up costs and delayed material procurement, pushing back timelines. When the rainy season arrived, farming activities took priority, making labor scarce when they were needed most. Further delays in material delivery compounded the setbacks.

By integrating community feedback, DRC is addressing these challenges for future projects. Seasonal planning, enhanced community engagement, and coordination with local authorities are among the strategies identified to improve implementation.

Sustainability and the road ahead

This project between UNHCR and DRC aligns with long-term goals in the region to build resilient communities by providing durable shelter solutions. Skills acquired during the project empower local carpenters/builders to maintain and replicate these shelters. Plans are underway to extend similar interventions to other conflict-affected areas in Borno State.

While this project has provided shelters in Gwoza and Banki, the need for safe and dignified housing remains critical across Northeast Nigeria. With continued support, more families can rebuild their lives, fostering resilience and hope for a better future.