Kano State Government has said that multidimensional poverty remains one of the most significant challenges confronting the North-West region, affecting millions of citizens through limited access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, social services, and economic opportunities.
To this end the Government, reiterated its commitment to implementing sustainable policies and programmes aimed at reducing the multidimensional poverty through strengthened social protection systems and innovative financing mechanisms.
This commitment was reaffirmed by Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the State Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, during a High-Level North-West Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty through Scaled Social Protection Systems and Innovative Financing organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the European Union (EU).
The event brought together Governors and representatives of North-West states, development partners, policymakers, representatives of the European Union, UNICEF officials, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, academia, and other critical stakeholders to discuss practical and sustainable strategies for addressing poverty and vulnerability across the region.
He noted that effective poverty reduction requires deliberate political commitment, strategic investments in human capital development, strengthened social protection systems, and innovative financing approaches capable of reaching the most vulnerable populations.
According to him, the Kano State Government has continued to prioritize programmes that improve access to education, healthcare, youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion, social welfare, and community development as part of its broader agenda to improve the quality of life of citizens.
The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to policies that promote social inclusion, economic resilience, and sustainable development. We recognize that reducing poverty requires collaborative action among governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor commended UNICEF and the European Union for their continued support toward strengthening social protection systems and advancing development initiatives that improve the welfare of vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
Participants at the dialogue highlighted the importance of strengthening social safety nets, improving data-driven decision-making, expanding social registries, mobilizing innovative financing, and fostering stronger partnerships among stakeholders to accelerate poverty reduction efforts.
The forum further emphasized the need for coordinated regional approaches to addressing the underlying causes of poverty and ensuring that development interventions effectively reach underserved communities.
On behalf of the Government and people of Kano State, Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo expressed appreciation to UNICEF, the European Union, development partners, and all participants for their commitment to promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development in the North-West region.
He reaffirmed Kano State’s readiness to continue collaborating with national and international partners in advancing policies and programmes that enhance social protection, reduce vulnerability, and create opportunities for shared prosperity.
The High-Level North-West Policy Dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and accelerate efforts toward reducing multidimensional poverty and improving the living standards of citizens across the region.
