The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and partners launched the Special Multi-Partner Delivery Fund (SMDF) during the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The SMDF includes the Nexus Funding Facility (NFF) as a component, aimed at boosting resilience, fostering sustainable development, and advancing peace in the region, which encompasses Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.

As of November 2024, over 6 million people are affected by insecurity and displacement in the area. The SMDF supports the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience (RS SRR) of Boko Haram-affected areas by improving coordination for stabilization and fostering social cohesion. The NFF, as part of the SMDF, introduces a flexible funding model that harmonizes humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts, focusing on locally-driven solutions.

The initiative is expected to build on existing successes, including the return of over one million displaced persons, rehabilitation of infrastructure, and the demobilization of more than 100,000 Boko Haram affiliates.

Key partners such as Germany and Sweden have pledged support, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated, conflict-sensitive approach to addressing the region’s challenges.