The North-West Governors’ Forum has unveiled a regional strategy to combat multidimensional poverty, prioritising social protection and innovative financing for vulnerable groups.
A high-level policy dialogue convened in Kano brought together policymakers, development partners, and technical experts from all seven North-West states. The forum focused on sustainable interventions to address the root drivers of poverty, with particular attention to children, women, and other at-risk populations.
Opening the dialogue, Governor Abba Yusuf—represented by his deputy, Murtala Sule-Garo—insisted that social protection must be viewed not as charity but as a strategic investment in human capital, stability, and economic growth. He cited Kano’s recent passage of the 2025 Social Protection Policy Law and the creation of a dedicated Social Protection Directorate under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as key institutional steps.
North-West Governors’ Forum Director-General, Maryam Yahaya, called the dialogue a defining moment for the region. Despite its population and economic potential, she noted, the North-West continues to struggle with high poverty rates, poor health outcomes, insecurity, and a rising number of out-of-school children. These challenges, she argued, transcend state borders and demand coordinated regional action. She urged stakeholders to reframe social protection as a driver of stability, productivity, and long-term development.
Mrs Yahaya also confirmed that the forum has adopted the North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework, designed to link peacebuilding, economic growth, and social wellbeing.
UNICEF Deputy Representative, Rownak Khan, delivered a goodwill message highlighting severe child welfare indicators in the region, including high maternal mortality, malnutrition, stunting, and limited access to essential services. She described unconditional cash transfers and other child-focused social protection programmes as vital for improving healthcare, education, and nutrition outcomes.