The Kano State Government has commended the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) for its significant contributions to humanitarian and urban development efforts across the state.
The commendation was conveyed by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, during the opening session of a three-day Participatory Planning Workshop on Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations, held on Tuesday in Kano.
The statement was issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment in the ministry, Balarabe Kiru.
Organised under the European Union-funded SIDPIN Project, the workshop brings together government agencies, traditional institutions, development partners and civil society organisations to enhance coordinated responses to the needs of displaced communities.
Kibiya noted that Kano State has maintained a strong working relationship with UN-Habitat in its quest to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities.
He highlighted the organisation’s technical expertise in the planning and management of shelters and settlements, describing it as central to ensuring a safe and organised environment for vulnerable groups.
“UN-Habitat assists governments and partners in delivering sustainable empowerment through life-skill acquisition, housing solutions, restoration of essential urban infrastructure and improved access to basic services for affected populations,” he said.
“Their role remains central in advancing durable solutions and improving the living conditions of displaced and vulnerable communities.”
He added that the workshop provides a platform for stakeholders to assess the realities faced by displaced persons, identify gaps in current interventions and develop practical, inclusive and long-term solutions.
Kibiya reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with relevant actors to promote the social and economic well-being of Kano’s residents.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Amina Yusuf, said Kano’s growing humanitarian needs are driven by rapid population growth, internal migration and climatic pressures, compounded by the state’s position as an economic hub and host community for displaced persons.
She explained that many internally displaced people arriving in Kano are fleeing banditry, communal conflicts and environmental shocks from neighbouring states including Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Yobe and Borno.
Representing the Kano Emirate Council, the District Head of Rimin Gado, Dan Malikin Kano Alhaji Auwalu Mudi Yakasai, called for stronger cooperation between political leaders and traditional institutions to deliver impactful and sustainable improvements at the community level.
The three-day workshop is expected to reinforce participatory planning processes that reflect the priorities of all major groups and promote transformative change through knowledge sharing, policy guidance and technical support.
