The Government of Katsina State has announced the establishment of a Social Development Unit within the Northwest Governors’ Forum (NWGF), Secretariat.
Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the Northwest Governors’ Forum (NWGF), Malam Dikko Umaru Radda,
Governor Radda made the announcement on Monday during the official launch of the IDP Policy and State Action Plan on Durable Solutions (SAP) for Katsina and Zamfara States, held at Fraser Suites, Abuja.
In his address, Governor Radda 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, noting that insecurity, banditry, and communal conflicts have displaced thousands of families in the Northwest, disrupting livelihoods and straining social systems.
In Katsina and Zamfara, these challenges are especially severe, necessitating deliberate policy and strategic interventions.
He highlighted that 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.
“The IDP policies and action plans provide a clear framework for coordinated action. They define institutional roles, establish coordination mechanisms, and outline priority interventions across protection, livelihoods, infrastructure, and social services,” he explained.
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.
“I commend the governments of Katsina and Zamfara for their leadership in bringing this framework to life. Their efforts demonstrate that displacement cannot be effectively addressed by any single state acting alone,” Governor Radda added.
Governor Radda also revealed that the initiative will extend beyond Katsina and Zamfara.
“The Northwest Governors Forum is committed to scaling this framework across all states of the region, ensuring a harmonized, region-wide approach to internal displacement and durable solutions,” he said.
He stressed that regional coordination is critical for policy coherence, operational efficiency, and greater impact across shared borders and communities.
Good