Maiduguri -The Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nigeria, Michael T. Harvey, concluded a three-day visit to Maiduguri, Borno State on March 24, 2016. During the trip, Mr. Harvey met with Muhammad Sani Sidi, Director General of the National Emergency Agency, and discussed current and future U.S. government efforts for Borno and the Lake Chad Basin region. He also visited an internally displaced settlement, where he met with coordinators and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

At the settlement, Mr. Harvey inspected 125 emergency latrines constructed with funds provided by the U.S. and UK governments to improve sanitation and living conditions for displaced persons. The United States will also install sixteen, 7,500-liter water tanks in the camps to stem possible outbreak of communicable diseases.

Reaffirming U.S. commitment to Borno and the Lake Chad Basin region, Mr. Harvey said, "The United States remains committed to extending our partnership to support those affected by the conflict and to accelerate this country's economic and social development."

The USAID Director also visited Buzu Quarters, where over 300 households are receiving micro-gardening support and 170 households have been selected for income-generation activities under a USAID-funded project. While touring the Ngimari Farm Center, Mr. Harvey demonstrated USAID's support of the response of the Borno State government's Agricultural Transformation Team to the economic needs of IDPs in Maiduguri.

The U.S. government, through USAID, is currently supporting IDPs with electronic card vouchers, which beneficiaries use to meet their food and other basic needs. The vouchers provide humanitarian assistance and allows for flexibility among beneficiaries to prioritize access to their basic needs.

The United States is currently providing over $240 million in development and humanitarian assistance through comprehensive programs in northern Nigeria and the broader Lake Chad Basin region. U.S. humanitarian assistance benefits conflict-affected populations in Nigeria and refugees who have fled to neighboring countries. The United States also supports transitional programs, emergency education for displaced children, and health programs in Nigeria.