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…Reiterates Commitment to Funding, Full Implementation
In a landmark move to address internal displacement, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has unveiled the Katsina State Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the accompanying State Action Plan on Durable Solutions, aimed at providing a coordinated and sustainable response to the challenges faced by displaced persons across the state.
The unveiling took place at a high-level Town Hall Meeting held at the Katsina Local Government Commission, organized with support from the World Bank through the SOLID Project, and technical leadership from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe, Governor Radda stated that with the formal presentation of the 45-page policy and action plan, Katsina has become the first state in the North West region to domesticate the National Policy on Internal Displacement.
“This policy signals our firm resolve to build a Katsina where no one is left behind; where the most vulnerable among us are seen, heard, and protected,” the Governor said.
He explained that the policy provides a structured, rights-based approach to prevent displacement, protect those displaced, and ensure access to durable solutions, including safe return, local integration, or voluntary relocation.
The State Action Plan, according to the Governor, offers a costed, five-year roadmap to implement the policy with a focus on practical, measurable impact.
“It is costed, time-bound, and focused on practical impact; covering areas such as shelter, health, education, legal identity, psychosocial support, and livelihoods,” he said.
Governor Radda reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to fully validate and implement the policy and action plan, including sustained funding and robust monitoring.
“As Governor, I reaffirm the commitment of the Katsina State Government to ensure this policy is not only validated but fully operationalized, monitored, and sustainably funded. Let us work together to ensure that displacement does not mean despair; that it becomes an opportunity for healing, rebuilding, and restoring hope.”
He emphasized that the town hall was not a ceremonial endorsement, but a demonstration of shared responsibility:
“It is to reaffirm a shared commitment, that every citizen matters, and that the displaced are not forgotten, not invisible, and not abandoned.”
Governor Radda also commended the World Bank for its consistent support and the UNDP for providing technical direction:
“Your commitment is shaping a better future for countless vulnerable citizens,” he said.
The Town Hall was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including:
– [ ] IDP representatives from all 34 Local Government Areas
– [ ] All LGA Chairmen and District Heads
– [ ] Traditional rulers from across the state
– [ ] Members of the State Executive Council and State Steering Committee
– [ ] Heads of Security Agencies
– [ ] A broad coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and International NGOs (INGOs) working in Katsina,
– [ ] The Head of UNHCR North East and North West
– [ ] The UNDP Head of the North West Region (duly represented)
– [ ] The IOM Head of North West Region, among others.
In his presentation of the state action plan, Dr. Abubakar Imam, Academic liason for the SOLID Project, revealed that Katsina currently has over 270,000 internally displaced persons as a result of banditry, farmers-herders conflict, flooding, desertification, and communal clashes, affecting more than 36,000 households across the 34 LGAs.
“The vision of the State Action Plan is to ensure a peaceful, resilient, and inclusive Katsina State where all displaced persons can return, integrate or relocate safely with access to livelihoods, services, and protection,” he said.
The state focal person for the project, Maryam Musa, emphasized that the policy is a comprehensive framework aligned with both national and international standards, aimed at guiding the state and stakeholders toward lasting solutions.
“The policy promotes dignity, protection, and sustainable reintegration. It addresses prevention, assistance, coordination, accountability, and inclusive solutions for all displaced persons,” she stated.
At the close of the Town Hall, both the policy and action plan were endorsed, with valuable input documented for further review and refinement. The official launch of the final documents will be announced upon completion of this validation phase.
Press Released Signed By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State.
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