Youth
GOVERNORS from Nigeria’s North-West have committed to concrete, time-bound actions to reduce multidimensional poverty and improve the lives of children and women across the region, following a high-level policy dialogue held in Kano.
Convened by the North-West Governors’ Forum in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, the European Union, UNICEF and other development partners, the dialogue brought together governors, the Vice President, federal ministers, senior government officials, traditional and religious leaders, the private sector, youth representatives and development partners.
Home to about 60 million people, the North-West region continues to face some of the highest levels of multidimensional poverty in the country, with children and women disproportionately affected. More than half of children are out of school, while many families face overlapping challenges in health, education, nutrition, water and sanitation, and income security.
Over two days, discussions focused on practical solutions to strengthen social protection systems, improve access to quality education and healthcare, and mobilise sustainable and innovative financing, particularly for the most vulnerable, including those affected by displacement and insecurity.
At the close of the meeting, the North-West Governors adopted a joint communiqué outlining clear commitments to scale up social protection systems, including child-focused benefits, strengthen service delivery, and increase domestic financing for poverty reduction. The Governors also endorsed a roadmap and monitoring framework to track progress on agreed actions.
Describing the outcome as a shift from intent to action, the Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State, represented by the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal,noted that the region now has “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.”
Building on this, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, underscored the importance of sustained leadership and coordination, noting that “the real measure of this dialogue will be in how quickly and effectively these commitments translate into improved lives for families across the North-West,” while reaffirming the Federal Government’s support to the states.
Echoing the focus on delivery, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, highlighted the importance of financing and accountability, stating that “strong commitments must be backed by sustained investment and transparent systems, so that resources reach those who need them most and drive lasting change.”
Reinforcing the urgency from a child-focused perspective, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, added that “for children in the North-West, time is critical. Expanding social protection, improving access to health and education, and prioritising the most vulnerable will determine whether millions of children have the chance to survive, learn and thrive.”
The dialogue forms part of broader regional efforts to strengthen peace, security and development, recognising that reducing poverty and vulnerability is central to long-term stability and growth.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with governments and partners to support the implementation of these commitments and ensure that every child, especially the most vulnerable, is reached.
A.I
June 11, 2026
Tags: European Union UNICEF