Governors of Nigeria's North-west states have presented a regional plan to development institutions and investors in New York, seeking international financing and private investment to implement the North-west Peace, Security and Development Framework 2026–2030. The framework was adopted by the seven states - Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara - in March 2026, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the German government.
The North-west Peace, Security and Development Framework 2026–2030 aims to address insecurity, create jobs and improve social services in the region. Priority sectors include agriculture and livestock, renewable energy, trade infrastructure, technology and social services. The framework was developed with the aim of preparing projects that could attract public funding, development assistance and private investment. UNDP Associate Administrator Haoliang Xu said the agency would help the states coordinate implementation, strengthen institutions and develop projects capable of attracting investment.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, who chairs the North-west Governors' Forum, emphasized that individual states could not adequately address the region's security problems on their own. He said security operations must be accompanied by measures to address poverty, unemployment and displacement. Mr Radda urged development institutions to coordinate their support across the seven states and called on financial institutions and businesses to invest in underserved communities.
The North-west governors' plan was presented at an event on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Participants included Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris and Sokoto Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed Gobir, alongside other government officials, development institutions and private-sector representatives. United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed called for coordinated financing involving state governments, development institutions and private investors.
The financing appeal comes amid displacement caused by attacks in parts of the region. In Katsina, the International Organisation for Migration recorded 3,509 people displaced from 524 households following attacks on 6 and 8 August 2026. The affected communities were Na'alma in Malumfashi Local Government Area, Turare in Dutsin-Ma and Tsiga in Bakori. The figures were based on information from key informants, according to the agency's assessment.
The framework grew out of the inaugural North-west Peace and Security Summit held in Katsina in 2024, with consultations continuing in 2025 with governments, communities, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, women and young people. The forum's Director-General, Maryam Yahaya, said the governors adopted the plan to address the region's challenges. UNDP said it would help the states coordinate implementation, strengthen institutions and develop projects capable of attracting investment.
The North-west governors' forum is seeking partnerships and financing for the implementation of the framework. Key points include the need for coordinated support across the seven states and the importance of addressing poverty, unemployment and displacement. The governors also emphasized the need for public investment to create space for responsible private capital.
Key points
- North-west governors seek international financing for a regional plan to tackle insecurity and improve social services.
- The plan aims to address poverty, unemployment and displacement in the region.
- UNDP will help the states coordinate implementation, strengthen institutions and develop projects capable of attracting investment.
