COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE ROOTS TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP (TWG) QUARTERLY MEETING
Maarma Hall, Tarauni, Kano State | 14th May, 2026
The Technical Working Group (TWG) of the ROOTS Project – Resilient Opportunities for Outreach, Trade & Sustainability held its quarterly meeting on 14th May 2026 in Kano. The meeting convened key stakeholders including government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector actors, media, and traditional leaders to review progress, identify challenges, and agree on strategic actions.
About the Implementing Organization and Partners
The project is implemented by Adolescent Health and Information Project (AHIP), a youth-focused, non-governmental, non-partisan, and non-profit organization committed to improving the health and economic wellbeing of women and young people through information, training, and empowerment.
The ROOTS Project is implemented through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with funding from the European Union (EU) under the programme:
“Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa – Phase II (FMM West Africa II)”.
The project builds on Phase I achievements and responds to evolving drivers of migration such as climate change, gender inequality, and economic vulnerability.
Project Focus
The ROOTS Project promotes:
Climate-smart agriculture for rural and peri-urban farmers
Inclusive livelihoods and economic empowerment
Reintegration support for returnees and displaced persons
Safe and legal migration awareness for youth
Support for female cross-border traders through ECOWAS free movement frameworks
Institutional strengthening for sustainable development and governance
Key Achievements
The TWG noted the following progress:
318 beneficiaries reached (106 males, 212 females)
Advocacy and engagement with ministries, institutions, and traditional leaders
Completion of a baseline assessment for evidence-based planning
Formal partnerships with CDA, KNARDA, and FCAPT
Establishment and inauguration of the Technical Working Group (TWG)
Training of women farmers on climate-smart agriculture
Training of 100 returnees in agribusiness and enterprise development
Capacity building of 34 media practitioners on safe migration reporting
Key Lessons Learned
Integrated programming increases impact
Partnerships improve technical quality
Gender-sensitive approaches enhance inclusion
Community engagement strengthens ownership
Livelihood support must be combined with safe migration awareness
Challenges Identified
High demand for reintegration support
Limited access to finance and farm inputs
Need for psychosocial support for returnees
Stigmatization and low social support
Weak market linkages
Stakeholder Commitments
NAPTIP to provide data on returnees
Smart Agribusiness to support women farmers with seedlings
Increased advocacy to:
Ministry of Women Affairs
Dangote Foundation
National Directorate of Employment (NDE)
Media partners to sustain safe migration awareness campaigns
Next Quarter Priorities
Scale up livelihood and agribusiness interventions
Strengthen market linkages and financial inclusion
Expand safe migration awareness campaigns
Continue mentorship and follow-up support
Deepen stakeholder coordination and partnerships
Resolutions
The TWG resolved to:
Strengthen inter-agency coordination
Complete pending activities within timelines
Improve access to finance and inputs for beneficiaries
Enhance support systems for returnees
Sustain partnerships beyond project implementation
Conclusion
The TWG reaffirmed that sustainable impact depends on strong collaboration, local ownership, and inclusive participation. The ROOTS Project remains a strategic platform for building resilience, dignity, and sustainable opportunities for communities in Kano State.
Issued by:
ROOTS Technical Working Group (TWG)
Kano State
14th May, 2026
Signed by:
Mal. Ismail Musa, Chairman, TWG/Director, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Kano.
Hajia Mairo Bello Ph.D, CEO, Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP)
Barrister Aremu Adeniyi, CEO, CS-CRIN
Mr. Abba Bello, SARC, Kano
Amina Lawan Ph.D, CDA, Bayero University Kano.
Ibraheem Ladi Amosa Ph.D, Rapporteur.