Zamfara Rolls Out Bold IDP Policy as Regional Leaders, UNDP Back Durable Solutions Drive
Governor Dauda Lawal has formally launched a comprehensive Internally Displaced Persons policy and State Action Plan on Durable Solutions for Zamfara State, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to addressing the deepening humanitarian impact of insecurity and banditry.
The framework was unveiled on February 16, 2026, at a joint ceremony in Abuja, where Zamfara and Katsina State simultaneously presented their respective policies.
The coordinated rollout reflects a growing regional consensus that internal displacement in the Northwest demands unified and structured intervention.
The initiative is the result of collaboration between the Northwest Governors Forum and the United Nations Development Programme, underscoring a shared resolve to transition from reactive humanitarian assistance to long term recovery planning anchored on resilience and institutional capacity building.
For Zamfara, a state severely affected by years of armed violence, the new policy establishes a clear roadmap for delivering durable solutions. It outlines strategies to facilitate safe and voluntary return, peaceful resettlement, and sustainable reintegration of displaced persons, while prioritising livelihood restoration and community rebuilding.
Beyond immediate relief efforts, the action plan seeks to empower displaced families as active contributors to recovery efforts.
It also strengthens local governance systems to better anticipate and manage future displacement challenges.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Lawal reiterated that his administration remains focused on ensuring that the policy translates into concrete and measurable outcomes for affected communities.
He stressed that the framework represents a practical commitment to restoring dignity and rebuilding trust among citizens impacted by displacement.
The launch signals a decisive policy shift in Zamfara’s response to internal displacement, positioning the state on a path toward sustainable recovery, social cohesion, and long term stability.
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