In a major step toward addressing severe economic and social vulnerabilities, governors from Nigeria’s North-West region have committed to concrete, time-bound actions to drastically reduce multidimensional poverty and improve the lives of women and children.
The landmark agreement was reached following a high-level, two-day policy dialogue concluded today in Kano.
Organized by the North-West Governors’ Forum, the summit was held in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, the European Union, and UNICEF.
The North-West is home to roughly 60 million people but continues to suffer from some of the highest poverty indices in the country.
The crisis disproportionately impacts the youngest demographic, with more than half of the region’s children currently out of school. Families face overlapping crises across several critical sectors:
Education & Income: Massive gaps in school enrollment paired with widespread financial insecurity.
Health & Nutrition: Severe deficits in basic healthcare access and child nutrition.
WASH: Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.
Rather than relying on policy talk, the dialogue closed with the official adoption of a joint communiqué.
The governors endorsed a strict roadmap and monitoring framework to track progress on the following pillars:
Child-Focused Benefits: Scaling up existing social protection systems to directly support vulnerable minors.
Strengthened Service Delivery: Enhancing healthcare and educational access, especially for families displaced by regional insecurity.
Domestic Financing: Mobilizing sustainable, innovative local funding to ensure long-term independence from temporary aid.
READ ALSO:Former Deputy Gov Gawuna Distributes 400 bags of Rice To Kano NUJ, Media Orgs
“We now have a clear set of priorities and responsibilities that will guide how we invest in our people, particularly children, and deliver results that communities can see and feel.”
Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum (represented by Katsina State Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal)
The Federal Government and international partners emphasized that the success of this dialogue rests entirely on execution and transparency.
Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s total support but noted that “the real measure of this dialogue will be in how quickly and effectively these commitments translate into improved lives.”
EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot stressed accountability: “Strong commitments must be backed by sustained investment and transparent systems, so that resources reach those who need them most.”
UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed highlighted the urgency of the timeline: “For children in the North-West, time is critical.
Expanding social protection will determine whether millions of children have the chance to survive, learn and thrive.”
This initiative forms a critical part of a broader regional strategy linking socioeconomic development with peace and security.
NORTH WEST STATES STRENGTHEN TIES TO ENHANCE ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION IN THE REGIONS
Leaders present acknowledged that alleviating deep-seated poverty is the single most vital prerequisite for restoring long-term stability and growth to Northern Nigeria.
UNICEF has pledged continued, hands-on support to ensure the newly signed roadmap is successfully executed.