Ashraf Usman

Big News: A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of starting a really exciting new assignment in @UNDP as the Head of Office NW Nigeria - leading UNDP’s strategic engagements, representation and offer to the states in the sub-region. As part of this portfolio I will also be leading Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding at the Nigeria Country Office, overseeing our pieces of work in the South East and North Central side by side with my Head of Office duties in the NW. I will be working with a stellar and talented team spread across the country, but I am also looking to grow this team too – and there will be a few opportunities and vacancies to join one of the most exciting and high performing teams in the United Nations - so if interested keep an eye out for that. I will be sharing as roles become available. Wish me luck and watch this space!

We have officially commenced Phase II of the Northwest Prevention Facility Project with a successful community entry mission to Kebbi State. Led by @AshrafUsman_, Head of the Northwest Programme, the delegation engaged state MDAs, security agencies, local government authorities, traditional, religious, community leaders and representatives from affected communities in the frontline LGAs. These engagements generated critical insights into local conflict dynamics and resilience efforts, established strong implementation pathways, and aligned the Facility with state priorities.  Together, we are co‑creating context‑specific solutions that strengthen collaboration, build resilience, and advance sustainable peace, security, and development across #KebbiState. Thanks to @GERinNigeria for the continuous support.

Last week in Abuja, I led my colleagues to another significant milestone. We held the third meeting of the North-West Governors’ Forum and successfully adopted and launched the North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework (2026–2030). This Framework represents more than a policy document; it is our shared commitment to confronting insecurity, tackling socio-economic challenges, and building a more stable and prosperous North-West for our people. The challenges before us are complex and deeply interconnected. From insecurity to organised crime and economic vulnerability, no single state can address them alone. Our strength lies in unity, collaboration, and a common vision for progress. I commend the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its continued support and partnership in shaping this strategic roadmap. We also engaged with key stakeholders, including the North-West Development Commission, and received valuable insights on strengthening institutional effectiveness across the region. As we move forward, our focus is now on implementation, coordination, and measurable impact. We are determined to translate this framework into real improvements in security, livelihoods, and opportunities for our people.

A united Northwest. From policy to action, NWGF, in collaboration with the UNDP, charts a clear path for regional stability and growth. #NWGF #NorthwestNigeria #regionaldevelopment #SecurityStrategy

North-West Nigeria is reimagining possibilities, on a path to peace, stability & inclusive dev’t. A significant milestone for the North-West and Nigeria as a whole, with the adoption of the North-West Peace & Security Development Framework 2026–2030 by the North-West Governors’ Forum. Congratulations to Executive Governors of North West states: H.E. @dikko_radda , H.E. @daudalawal_ , H.E. @Kyusufabba , H.E. @Ahmedaliuyskt, H.E. Uba Sani, H.E. @uanamadi , H.E. @NasiridrisKG on this important step forward. @UNDPNigeria is working alongside @GERinNigeria and the North-West Governors Forum to strengthen governance systems, foster social cohesion, expand livelihoods, empower communities, and drive sustainable, long-term dev’t across the region.

Germany supports North-West Nigeria on its path to peace & development 🇩🇪🇳🇬 On 26 March 2026, the governors adopted the North-West Peace & Security Development Framework 2026–2030 at the North-West Governors’ Forum. With partners like the United Nations Development Programme & the North-West Governors’ Forum, Germany supports: 🏠 Housing & infrastructure 💼 Livelihoods 🤝 Trust between communities & security forces Since 2022: €15M committed. @AnnettInes @ElsieAttafuah @dikko_radda @uanamadi @ubasanius @Kyusufabba @NasiridrisKG @ahmedaliyuskt @daudalawal_ @undpnigeria #Nigeria #Peacebuilding #Development

Consolidating prevention gains and scaling sustainable stabilisation impact is most effective when interventions are state-led and community-driven. During a project visit to #Katsina by a delegation from @GermanyDiplo, engagements with beneficiaries and stakeholders highlighted the significant impact of the NorthWest Prevention Facility in strengthening resilience frameworks. The initiative is empowering communities and rebuilding trust between citizens and government. H.E. @dikko_radda expressed appreciation to @UNDPNigeria and @GERinNigeria for the partnership. We extend our sincere appreciation to @GERinNigeria for the generous and continued support.

Home to major hydroelectric power stations powering much of Nigeria, vast agricultural potential, and key tourism assets, Niger State is well positioned to transition from recovery to long-term resilience and sustainable livelihoods. A pleasure to jointly meet H.E. @HonBago, Executive Governor of @NigerStateNG, alongside the German delegation from @GERinNigeria & @GermanyDiplo to discuss navigating security & humanitarian challenges while accelerating recovery efforts and building resilient systems that protect livelihoods. By leveraging the State’s assets with focus on energy access, youth empowerment, trade, investment & finance, we are supporting a shift from crisis response to inclusive, long-term economic resilience.

Strong partnerships drive lasting impact. We welcomed a delegation from @GermanyDiplo to Nigeria for productive discussions on advancing stabilization and recovery across the Northeast and Northwest. @GERinNigeria remains a steadfast partner, and with their support, we are focused on consolidating gains and scaling impact in alignment with @NigeriaGov’s stabilization, governance, and security sector reform priorities. @alexanderdecroo

Displacement should not define a community, it should be a launchpad for opportunity, resilience, and hope, with strong systems and coordinated action, crisis can become a pathway to recovery and growth. Zamfara and Katsina are leading the way. Their State Action Plans on Durable Solutions: ✅Restore services ✅Strengthen governance ✅Empower communities to rebuild with dignity, turning complex challenges into opportunities for dev’t. @UNDPNigeria is proud to support this journey, strengthening coordination, embedding technical expertise, and anchoring durable solutions at the heart of dev’t and financing strategies. Thanks to Excellencies @dikko_radda @KatsinaStateNg, @daudalawal_ @Zamfara_state, for the trust and collaboration. Appreciation to @MohamedFall and the @UN_Nigeria family, as well as @NWGFsecretariat, Hon. @HMSRegionalDev, Hon. @drbernarddoro, and Hon. @Suwaiba_Said for continued support in shaping a more resilient, inclusive future.

@UNDPNigeria @GermanyInAfrica @AuswaertigesAmt @AA_stabilisiert @GERinNigeria @AshrafUsman_ @Sokoto_Affairs @ElsieAttafuah @UNDPAfrica @UNDP Initiatives like the UNDP Prevention Facility show that targeted support for women can unlock lasting economic and social transformation in Nigeria.

A marketplace is more than a trading space 🏪🤝. It is where livelihoods are built, relationships are forged, and trust is restored, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together and strengthening social cohesion. Discover how the Northwest Prevention Facility Project is transforming market spaces into hubs of connection and peace, rebuilding trust and fostering social cohesion in Illela LGA, Sokoto State. Link to story: bit.ly/4pvsC37

Excited to join @NWGFsecretariat & to have opened the High-Level Development Partners in a Validation session for the #Northwest Peace, Security & Dev. Framework, which aims to shape a holistic approach to tackling displacement & climate challenges. Grateful to @GERinNigeria 🇩🇪

Ibrahim Anaruwa had always dreamed of large-scale farming. For years, he cultivated just enough to feed his family, with little left to sell. But everything changed with support from the Prevention Facility Project and the Sokoto State Government. Access to improved seeds, fertilizers and modern training transformed his life and his farm. Thanks to @GERinNigeria, Ibrahim harvested over 900 bags of carrots, each sold for ₦30,000. Discover this story: bit.ly/3JZc4Sn

Alhaji Tanimum Musa, fondly called Sarkin Noma (King of Farmers), is more than a cultivator. At 68, he upholds a proud farming legacy passed down through generations. When insecurity and climate pressures worsened, he faced every farmer’s toughest choice, leaving his ancestral farmlands to start over. Thanks to @GERinNigeria, farmers like him are now maximizing available resources, adopting improved techniques, and turning limited assets into meaningful harvests. Discover this story : bit.ly/44gGF4P

Yesterday, together with @NWGFsecretariat, we convened a high-level dialogue with development partners to strengthen alignment, foster coordinated action and ensure the Northwest Peace, Security and Development Framework addresses real regional challenges with scalable solutions for lasting peace and sustainable development. Grateful to all partners for their continued support. 🙏

Together with @NWGFsecretariat, we are convening a high-level Framework Validation session with government representatives, development partners, traditional institutions, and civil society actors. Stakeholders are actively reviewing and shaping the Northwest Peace, Security & Development Framework to ensure it responds to the region’s unique challenges, from conflict and displacement to climate and livelihood vulnerabilities. This process is strengthening ownership, alignment and collaboration, paving the way for a coordinated, government-led approach to sustainable peace and development in Northwest Nigeria. Thanks 🙏 to @GERinNIgeria for the support.

This is not about politics. It’s about sovereignty, misinformation, and how narratives can start wars. On November 1, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that the United States would “invade Nigeria guns blazing.” The claim, built on a false narrative of Christian genocide, has gained dangerous traction online, distorting Nigeria’s complex security reality. Insecurity affects all Nigerians, regardless of faith. But framing it as religious persecution risks deepening division and inviting unwarranted foreign intervention. Argon Intelligence calls for a coordinated national response, to de-escalate tension, counter misinformation, and defend Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Happy to welcome two colleagues to the @UNDPNigeria Programme's Team! Lerna Hornetz joins as a Programme Analyst under the JPO programme funded by @GERinNigeria. Loïc Noël joins as a @UNVolunteers. We look forward to their contributions, & their leadership in tennis tournament 🏓

Nigeria’s inflation is “easing” on paper but are households feeling the relief? Our latest Nigeria Inflation Pulse reveals a stark paradox: while official numbers show headline inflation dropping to 20.12%, the cost of protein-rich foods is soaring with fish prices in the North-East up by +265%. Families are eating more carbs, less protein, and struggling to stay nutritionally secure. This isn’t just about prices; it’s about the lived economy. Read the full report on our website and discover what these numbers really mean for Nigeria’s future. argon.africa/reports/nigeri…

💯 Agreed