GOVERNORS from Nigeria’s North-West region have launched a coordinated initiative aimed at tackling multidimensional poverty through expanded social protection programmes and innovative financing solutions.
The initiative was unveiled during a high-level policy dialogue held in Kano, which brought together policymakers, development partners, and technical experts from the seven North-West states.
Discussions focused on developing practical and sustainable approaches to address the root causes of poverty, particularly among children, women, and other vulnerable groups.
Declaring the summit open, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Murtala Sule-Garo, stressed that social protection should be viewed as a strategic investment in human capital, social stability, and economic development rather than merely a welfare programme.
Yusuf highlighted Kano State’s efforts to institutionalize social protection, including the enactment of the 2025 Social Protection Policy Law and the establishment of a Social Protection Directorate under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
According to him, the state continues to invest in education, healthcare, skills development, youth empowerment, and other social intervention programmes designed to improve the wellbeing of residents.
He noted that the scale of poverty and vulnerability across the region requires a shift from fragmented interventions to integrated, data-driven social protection systems that are transparent, accountable, and targeted at those most in need.
Speaking also, the Director-General of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Maryam Yahaya, described the gathering as a significant step toward addressing the region’s developmental challenges.
She noted that despite the region’s vast population, human capital, and economic potential, it continues to grapple with high levels of multidimensional poverty, poor health outcomes, insecurity, and a growing number of out-of-school children.
Yahaya emphasized that these challenges transcend state boundaries and require a coordinated regional response.
She added that social protection should be regarded as an investment in stability, productivity, and the future prosperity of the North-West.
She further disclosed that the forum had adopted the North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework, which seeks to address fragility and accelerate development by linking peace, security, economic growth, and social wellbeing.
Also speaking at the event, UNICEF Deputy Representative Dr. Rownak Khan highlighted the severe challenges facing children in the region, including maternal mortality, malnutrition, stunted growth, and limited access to essential services.
She stressed that child-focused social protection initiatives, such as unconditional cash transfers, remain critical to improving access to healthcare, education, and nutrition.
Participants at the dialogue expressed optimism about the prospects of stronger regional collaboration.
Muhammad Haruna said enhanced cooperation, innovative financing mechanisms, and expanded social protection programmes could significantly reduce poverty across the North-West.
Another participant, Halima Yusuf, underscored the importance of inclusive policies and community-led initiatives to ensure that social protection measures reach the most vulnerable populations.
She also called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations to develop lasting solutions that address both immediate and long-term developmental needs.
