Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has called for comprehensive and innovative approaches to social protection as a strategy to reduce multidimensional poverty in Nigeria’s Northwest region.
He made the call on Tuesday in Kano at the North-west Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty Through Scaled Social Protection Systems and Innovative Financing organized by North West governors forum with support from partners.
Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Murtala Sule- Garo, Yusuf described the forum as timely and crucial in addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty, including limited access to education, healthcare, housing, water, sanitation, and sustainable livelihoods.
According to him, social protection is not merely a welfare intervention but a strategic investment in human capital, social stability, and economic growth.
He said empowering vulnerable households strengthens resilience, reduces inequality, and creates sustainable pathways out of poverty.
The governor highlighted the achievements of his administration since enacting the Social Protection Policy Law in 2025, which led to the establishment of the Social Protection Directorate under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
He noted that the administration has prioritised programmes aimed at improving the welfare of women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other economically vulnerable groups.
Yusuf stressed the need for data-driven, transparent, and accountable social protection systems capable of reaching the most vulnerable citizens.
“Innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, blended finance models, development financing, and enhanced domestic resource mobilization, are critical to expanding social protection programmes and building long-term resilience,” Yusuf added.
The governor commended the support of the Vice President of Nigeria, the European Union, UNICEF, and other development partners for their contributions to social development initiatives.
He urged all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, share best practices, embrace innovation, and mobilize resources to create inclusive and sustainable social protection systems.
In her welcome remarks, Director -General, North-West Governors’ Forum, Hajiya Maryam Yahaya, highlighted the region’s interconnected development challenges, including poverty, out-of-school children, poor health outcomes, insecurity, displacement, and fiscal pressures.
She emphasised that social protection was not charity but an investment in stability, productivity, and the region’s future.
The DG noted that the dialogue forms part of the implementation of the North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework, which provides a regional roadmap for addressing fragility while accelerating human development.
According to her, over the two days, participants are expected to identify practical actions, sustainable financing pathways, and institutional mechanisms to strengthen social protection systems.
She urged stakeholders to explore innovative financing sources, including private sector partnerships, philanthropic institutions, and Islamic social finance mechanisms such as Zakat and Waqf.
Yahaya also called for inclusive initiatives that address the vulnerabilities of women, children, and displaced communities.
She noted that the dialogue received support from the Office of the Vice President, the European Union, the United Nations in Nigeria, philanthropic organisations, and other partners.
Earlier, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, Dr Rownak Khan, called for a comprehensive approach to addressing child poverty in the Northwest, emphasising that deprivation goes beyond economic hardship.
Khan said that children in the region were deprived of essential services, including health care, nutrition, education, and access to clean water and sanitation.
“Today’s dialogue is not only about identifying the problems but also exploring solutions,” she said.
She noted that specific interventions, such as a universal child benefit, were being considered to address multidimensional poverty.
Khan further stressed the importance of innovative financing, noting that while the government bears primary responsibility, engagement with all sectors of society including the private sector is crucial.
“A holistic approach is needed. Establishing a social protection safety net is only the start,” she said.
(NAN)
