Katsina Govt, UNHCR, TGI Partner To Support IDPs
Katsina State Government has unveiled an initiative aimed at providing comprehensive support and sustainable solutions for 250,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
According to a government statement, the initiative will be implemented 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 sites for the project, said it is to address the challenges faced by IDPs and foster community resilience.
According to the Executive Director, the initiative is a fall out of the recent North West Peace and Security Summit, held in Katsina.
It is focused on finding durable solutions for IDPs, that will prevent future displacement crisis, and ensure effective protection and assistance for the vulnerable.
Maryam emphasized that the initiative is line with Governor Dikko Radda’s agenda, 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,” she said.
The Executive Director said the initiative has four key components, which include closing all IDP camps and integrating displaced communities into villages and cities for better access to resources and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
It also include prioritising the needs of displaced persons, appointing special advisor on IDPs and establishment of dedicated offices for digital inclusion and irrigation, to support and strengthen affected communities, providing a Mobile One-Stop Shop for Essential Documentation and Services, which will include registration for National Identification Numbers (NIN), Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), opening bank accounts, and inclusion in the social register.
“This proactive outreach aims to strengthen the relationship between the state and its citizens, ensuring equitable access to vital services.”
The other component is Agricultural Empowerment and Economic Growth through which 1,000 IDPs and vulnerable households, especially women, will be allocated arable land, high-quality seeds, fertilizers.
“By expanding irrigation networks, the initiative will enable multiple crop rotations per year, significantly improving agricultural productivity and stabilizing livelihoods.”
Maryam said, “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.”
