Zamfara State Launches Landmark IDP Policy and Action Plan as UNDP, Northwest Forum Pledge Support

In a significant move to address the humanitarian crisis wrought by banditry and internal displacement, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, has officially launched a comprehensive policy framework and action plan aimed at delivering durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state.

The Governor attended the joint launch ceremony for the IDP Policy and the State Action Plan on Durable Solutions, an initiative simultaneously rolled out for both Katsina and Zamfara States in the nations capital Abuja today Feburary 16, 2026. The event marks a pivotal moment in the region’s approach to managing displacement, shifting from emergency response to long-term, sustainable recovery.

The ambitious programme is the product of a strategic collaboration between the Northwest Governors Forum and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This partnership underscores a unified, regional acknowledgment that the challenges of displacement require coordinated, multi-state solutions that address root causes and build lasting resilience.

For Zamfara State, which has borne the brunt of years of insecurity, the new policy is being hailed not merely as a bureaucratic formality, but as a binding social contract with its most vulnerable citizens. It establishes a clear roadmap for restoring the dignity of displaced families, with a laser focus on rebuilding shattered communities and creating viable pathways for safe return, peaceful resettlement, and sustainable reintegration.

The framework goes beyond temporary relief, outlining concrete strategies to help displaced populations not just survive, but ultimately thrive in safety. It seeks to transform the lives of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods by ensuring they are active participants in the state’s recovery.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Lawal reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to translating the policy document into tangible, measurable impact on the ground. “Under my leadership, we remain committed to ensuring that this framework translates into measurable impact for our people.”

The launch signals a new chapter for Zamfara, one focused on healing and forward momentum. By anchoring the response in a durable solutions framework, the state government aims to build systemic resilience, strengthen the capacity of local institutions to manage future crises, and ultimately, shape a more secure, stable, and inclusive future for all residents of Zamfara State.