Governors across Nigeria’s North-West region have pledged sweeping, time-bound reforms aimed at reducing multidimensional poverty and improving the welfare of children and women, following a high-level policy dialogue held in Kano.
The meeting, convened by the North-West Governors’ Forum in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, the European Union, UNICEF and other development partners, brought together top political leaders, federal officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the private sector, youth groups and civil society actors.
With an estimated population of about 60 million people, the North-West remains one of Nigeria’s most affected regions in terms of multidimensional poverty. Indicators show that over half of school-age children are out of school, while millions of families continue to face overlapping challenges in healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation and income security.
Over the two-day dialogue, stakeholders focused on practical strategies to strengthen social protection systems, expand access to quality education and healthcare, and mobilise sustainable financing for vulnerable groups, including displaced persons and communities affected by insecurity.
At the end of the meeting, the governors adopted a joint communiqué committing to scale up child-focused social protection programmes, strengthen public service delivery, and increase domestic funding for poverty reduction initiatives. They also approved a regional roadmap and monitoring framework to track implementation and ensure accountability.
Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State—represented by his deputy, Malam Faruk Lawal—described the outcome as a transition from “discussion to decisive action,” saying the region now has a clearer framework to invest in human capital and deliver measurable results.
Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the need for sustained political will, noting that the success of the initiative would be judged by how quickly it improves the lives of ordinary citizens across the region, while reaffirming federal government backing.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stressed the importance of accountability and financing, warning that commitments must be matched with transparent systems to ensure resources reach those most in need.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, also underscored urgency, saying millions of children in the region depended on immediate action to survive, learn and thrive.
The dialogue is part of broader efforts to link poverty reduction with peace, stability and long-term development in the North-West.
UNICEF reaffirmed its continued partnership with governments and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the commitments.
—ENDS—
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