The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on governments, private sector operators, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to increase investment in peacebuilding, describing peace as critical infrastructure for Nigeria’s stability and development.
The Director-General of the institute, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, made the call today in Abuja at a world media briefing to herald the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Peace, themed “Investing in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Ochogwu said Nigeria’s complex security and socioeconomic challenges, including violent extremism, farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, youth restiveness, communal tensions and climate-induced resource competition, underscored the urgent need for deliberate investment in peace.
He said peace should not be viewed merely as the absence of war but as a conscious and sustained effort requiring funding, dialogue, community engagement and institutional support.
According to him, early warning and early response systems, dialogue platforms, community mediation centres, youth engagement hubs, traditional institutions and psychosocial support systems require the same level of attention and investment as other critical infrastructure.
“Without peace, we cannot have food security. Without peace, we cannot have quality education, healthcare, or attract investment,” he said.
The IPCR director-general urged federal and state governments to prioritise peacebuilding in budgetary allocations and policy design, while calling on the National Assembly to strengthen legislation promoting social cohesion and conflict-sensitive governance.
He also appealed to security agencies to deepen community-centred approaches, and urged the private sector to regard peacebuilding as a business imperative, stressing that businesses cannot thrive in an atmosphere of instability.
Ochogwu called on traditional and religious leaders to promote tolerance, while urging civil society organisations, women and youth groups to champion non-violence and inclusion.
He further charged the media to promote peace journalism by countering hate speech, misinformation and divisive narratives.
On government policies, the IPCR boss identified economic inclusion, local government autonomy, youth engagement and inclusive governance as policy directions capable of contributing to peace and national cohesion.
He said initiatives such as student loans, support for micro, small and medium enterprises, skills acquisition and social investment programmes could help address structural drivers of frustration, unemployment and inequality.
He disclosed that the institute’s 2024–2028 strategy focuses on knowledge, people and partnerships as key pillars of its peace investment drive.
He said the strategy includes evidence-based research, early warning analysis, youth peacebuilding programmes, peace clubs in schools, capacity building and the strengthening of community resilience networks.
Ochogwu also announced a lineup of activities to commemorate the International Day of Peace, including prayers at the National Mosque and National Christian Centre, a peace walk, a national peace lecture, humanitarian outreach to internally displaced persons and a novelty football match.
He appreciated the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme, funded by the UK Government, the United Nations System in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission, the Ufuk Dialogue Foundation and other partners for their collaboration.
He urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to make peace a personal and collective responsibility, saying sustainable peace must become a way of life rather than an annual event.
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