North-West governors launch regional drive to reduce multidimensional poverty

The seven North-West governors are implementing a coordinated regional framework to reduce multidimensional poverty through expanded social protection programmes and innovative financing mechanisms across the zone.

The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday in Kano during a two-day high-level policy dialogue on “Reducing Multidimensional Poverty Through Scaled Social Protection Systems and Innovative Financing,” organised by the North-West Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the Federal Government, with support from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Speaking at the opening session, Maryam Yahaya, Director-General of the North-West Governors’ Forum Secretariat, described the dialogue as a significant step toward translating regional commitments into practical interventions capable of improving the lives of millions of residents across the region.

She noted that despite the North-West’s vast human and economic potential, the region continues to grapple with widespread poverty, insecurity, poor health outcomes, climate-related vulnerabilities and one of the country’s highest numbers of out-of-school children.

According to Yahaya, these challenges cut across state boundaries and require coordinated regional solutions rather than isolated interventions.

She explained that the dialogue forms part of the implementation of the North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework, which seeks to strengthen social protection systems, promote innovative financing and coordinate investments in human capital development.

Yahaya added that the forum would work closely with governments, development partners, private sector organisations, philanthropic institutions and traditional leaders to mobilise sustainable financing capable of reducing poverty on a large scale.

Also speaking, Leila Amor, Head of Human Development at the European Union, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting poverty reduction efforts in the region, describing the challenge as one of the most pressing issues confronting both the North-West and Nigeria.

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She stressed that poverty and insecurity transcend state borders and called for stronger regional collaboration to achieve meaningful and lasting development outcomes.

Similarly, Rownak Khan, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria, described the policy dialogue as a major milestone in addressing poverty and deprivation in the North-West, noting that the region is home to nearly 60 million people and records some of Nigeria’s poorest child welfare indicators.

According to Khan, maternal mortality in the region exceeds 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births, under-five mortality stands at 140 per 1,000 live births, while nearly 60 per cent of children suffer from stunted growth.

She advocated the adoption of a universal child benefit programme, describing it as a proven strategy for reducing child poverty, increasing school enrolment and strengthening household resilience.

Declaring the dialogue open on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Murtala Garo, Deputy Governor of Kano State, said social protection should be regarded as a strategic investment in human capital development and economic growth rather than merely a welfare intervention.

Garo disclosed that Kano State has enacted a Social Protection Policy Law and established a Social Protection Directorate to coordinate interventions targeted at vulnerable populations.

He urged participants to ensure that the deliberations produce actionable policies and programmes capable of delivering tangible improvements in the lives of people across the North-West region.