Katsina Join Forces with UNHCR, TGI to End IDP Crisis
The Katsina State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, today 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 eɣort is undertaken in collaboration with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group. It marks a signi¿cant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and fostering community resilience.
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 on Sunday.
According to the Executive Director, the initiative which Follows the successful Peace and Security Summit for northwestern Nigeria, focuses on ¿nding durable solutions for IDPs, that will prevent future displacement crises, and ensuring eɣective protection and assistance for the vulnerable. Maryam emphasized that the initiative is 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, oɣer agro-¿nancing, 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:
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 longterm well-being. Displaced communities have been integrated into villages and cities, facilitating better access to resources and opportunities for rebuilding their lives.
Special Advisory and Support Teams: To prioritize the needs of displaced persons, Governor Radda has appointed a special advisor on IDPs and established dedicated oɤces for digital inclusion and irrigation— key components in supporting and strengthening our communities.
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 Identi¿cation Numbers (NIN), Bank Veri¿cation 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.
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, signi¿cantly improving agricultural productivity and stabilizing livelihoods.
Maryam reiterated the state government’s