Governors from Nigeria’s North-West states have agreed on a coordinated, time-bound strategy to tackle multidimensional poverty and improve living conditions for women and children across the region.

The decision was reached at a two-day high-level policy dialogue in Kano, organised by the North-West Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, the European Union and UNICEF, with participation from key stakeholders including Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, traditional rulers, youth representatives and private sector actors.

The North-West, home to an estimated 60 million people, continues to record some of the highest poverty levels in the country, with women and children bearing the greatest burden. Challenges include high rates of out-of-school children, poor access to healthcare, malnutrition, unsafe water, weak sanitation systems and limited income opportunities.

At the end of the meeting, the governors adopted a joint communiqué outlining a unified action plan. The framework focuses on expanding social protection systems, introducing child-centred support programmes, improving public service delivery and increasing domestic funding for poverty reduction initiatives.

The agreement also includes a structured monitoring mechanism to ensure implementation and track progress across all participating states.

Speaking on behalf of the forum chairman and Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal described the initiative as a shift from policy discussions to practical action aimed at improving human capital development in the region.

Vice President Shettima reaffirmed federal government support for the programme, stressing the importance of consistent leadership and effective implementation to achieve lasting impact.

The initiative is expected to serve as a coordinated regional response to entrenched poverty and social vulnerability affecting millions in the North-West.