The governments of Katsina and Zamfara states on Monday formally launched their Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policies and Action Plans, in a move aimed at strengthening protection, equity and social justice for displaced communities.
The launch, held on February 16, 2026, was coordinated by the Northwest Governors Forum under the leadership of its Director-General, Maryam Musa Yahaya. The initiative is designed to promote a coordinated and structured approach to managing displacement caused by insecurity, climate change and migration across the region.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State led dignitaries to the event, alongside the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal.
In separate remarks, the two governors reaffirmed their commitment to implementing comprehensive frameworks that will support the safe, gradual return and integration of displaced persons into secure communities. They also pledged to adopt a bottom-up approach in addressing the needs and demands of affected populations.
The Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board (KSDMB), Dr. Mustapha Shehu, who served as a panelist at the event, presented snapshots of the IDP policy and action plan. He highlighted how the documents would guide the equitable implementation of livelihood projects across the state, with particular emphasis on prioritising the most deserving and vulnerable groups.
The new policies and action plans are expected to provide a framework for coordinated intervention, improved service delivery and sustainable reintegration strategies across the two states.
Development partners and senior government officials attended the event, including representatives of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, the United Nations Development Programme, International Organization for Migration, UNICEF, Save the Children, International Rescue Committee, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, among others.
Officials described the launch as a significant step toward building a sustainable and inclusive system for addressing internal displacement in the Northwest region.
