NWGF Launches IDP Policy to Address Displacement Issues

On Monday, Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda announced the launch of an IDP policy and a state action plan for sustainable solutions to address internal displacements in the Northwest region of Nigeria. The announcement was made during the official launch of the policy in Abuja, where Radda explained that a new social development unit would be established within the Northwest Governor Forum (NWGF) secretariat to coordinate policies and facilitate partnerships among member states.

The policy document aims to address the structural challenges of displacement caused by insecurity, banditry, and communal conflict, which have disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of families. Governor Radda emphasized the need for a coordinated approach across states, as displacement cannot be effectively addressed by a single state acting alone.

The initiative will extend beyond Katsina and Zamfara, with a commitment from the NWGF to implement a region-wide strategy. Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara highlighted the severe impact of insecurity on communities, noting that 216,000 people, mostly women and children, are currently displaced.

The new IDP policy aligns with national laws and international standards, focusing on long-term recovery and reintegration.