The Katsina State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing comprehensive support and sustainable solutions for the approximately 250,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in the state.
This innovative effort is undertaken in collaboration with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group.
The Executive Director, Katsina State Development Management Board, Maryam Musa Yahaya who led the partners to visit projects site in the state disclosed the development in a statement.
The statement explained that, the support marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by internallly displaced persons (IDPs) and fostering community resilience.
According to the Executive Director, the initiative
“Follows the successful Peace and Security Summit for northwestern Nigeria, focuses on finding durable solutions for IDPs, that will prevent future displacement crises, and ensuring effective protection and assistance for the vulnerable”
Maryam emphasized that the initiative is in line with Governor Radda’s goals and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda as well as the Sustainable Development Goals, and the UN Secretary General’s Action Agenda.
“Through partnerships with TGI and UNHCR, the Katsina State Government aims to provide comprehensive training, support cooperative development, offer agro-financing, and guarantee market access for IDPs”
“ This holistic approach seeks to empower displaced individuals and families to rebuild their lives and contribute to the state’s economy”
The Executive Director disclosed the Key components of the initiative to include:
1) Transition from IDP Camps: Governor Radda has taken decisive action by closing all IDP camps in Katsina State, recognizing that these environments are not conducive to long-term well-being. Displaced communities have been integrated into villages and cities, facilitating better access to resources and opportunities for rebuilding their lives.
2) Special Advisory and Support Teams: To prioritize the needs of displaced persons, Governor Radda has appointed a special advisor on IDPs and established dedicated offices for digital inclusion and irrigation—key components in supporting and strengthening our communities.
3) Mobile One-Stop Shop for Essential Services: A mobile service delivery unit will be deployed to various wards and LGAs, providing a one-stop shop for essential documentation and services. This includes National Identification Numbers (NIN), Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), opening bank accounts, and inclusion in the social register where applicable. This proactive outreach aims to strengthen the relationship between the state and its citizens, ensuring equitable access to vital services.
4) Agricultural Empowerment and Economic Growth: The Katsina State Government is allocating arable land, high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs to 1,000 IDPs and vulnerable households, with a strong focus on empowering women. By expanding irrigation networks, the initiative will enable multiple crop rotations per year, significantly improving agricultural productivity and stabilizing livelihoods.
Maryam reiterated the state government’s commitment to finding lasting solutions for displaced communities, stating,
“This initiative embodies our commitment to empowering IDPs to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. By prioritizing sustainability and equity, we aim to create a model that can be replicated across Nigeria and beyond.”
The Katsina State Government invites partners and stakeholders to join in this transformative effort to address the challenges faced by IDPs and build a more resilient and inclusive society.