By Ibrahim Shehu
The Northwest Governors’ Forum (NWGF), has announced the establishment of a Social Development Unit within the NWGF Secretariat.
Chairman of the forum and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda announced this during the official launch of the IDP Policy and State Action Plan on Durable Solutions (SAP) for Katsina and Zamfara States in Abuja.
The Governor explained that the new unit will coordinate policy alignment, oversee implementation, facilitate partnerships, and strengthen monitoring and peer learning among member states.
He called on state governments, development partners, and other stakeholders to adopt coordinated and sustainable strategies to address internal displacement across the Northwest.
“This launch is more than the unveiling of policy documents. It represents a shared commitment by state governments, the Federal Government, and development partners to address displacement as a structural development challenge that requires long-term, coordinated solutions,” Governor Radda said.
He noted that insecurity, banditry, and communal conflicts have displaced thousands of families in the Northwest, disrupting livelihoods and straining social systems, especially in Katsina and Zamfara states.
According to him, both states have adopted a policy-driven approach aligned with the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons, shifting focus from emergency relief to durable solutions that restore dignity, self-reliance, and social cohesion.
He emphasized that displaced persons and host communities are central to recovery and reintegration plans, ensuring that their voices, needs, and rights guide all development initiatives.
On his part, Governor. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, stated that as of 2024, over 216,000 people—mostly women and children—had been displaced across all 14 local government areas of Zamfara State.
Governor Lawal explained that his administration is tackling the root causes of insecurity through several key initiatives.
UN Assistant Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick , noted that over 3.7 million Nigerians are currently displaced.
In the same vein, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Elsie Attafua emphasized that internal displacement is a major national concern, impacting both stability and development.
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