A non-governmental organisation, International Alert Nigeria (IAN), Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security and Forum of Commissioners and Advisers on Security of Northwest and Frontline States want joint efforts to address violence, injustice and criminality in the region.
Speaking at a two-day workshop, supported by the UK International Development themed: “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice and Accountability in the Northwest Nigerian Project,” (Samun Adalchi shi Ne Kwanciyar Hankali) in Abuja, the country director, IAN, Paul Nyulaku Bemshima, said the workshop aimed to delve into the root causes of unrest in the Northeast and Northwest regions.
He said the intensive discussions provided a platform for key stakeholders to engage in peer learning and collaboration, with participants expected to play significant roles in disseminating insights gained from the deliberations, raising awareness about critical issues.
“A primary objective of the workshop was to craft a comprehensive advocacy plan, building on key resolutions from previous National Stability Dialogues 1 and 2, which served as a national platform for discussing and strategising on stability-related issues,” he said.
Bemshima said the anticipated advocacy plan, to be developed during the expert meeting, aims to be a crucial instrument for implementing targeted actions toward building national stability.
He stressed that the initiative seeks to create a coordinated effort involving government bodies, security agencies, and community leaders to address identified challenges.
He said the collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security underscores the significance of regional partnerships in addressing security concerns.
“With the active involvement of the Forum of Commissioners and Advisers on Security of Northwest and Frontline States, the workshop ensures a holistic approach, considering the unique security dynamics of both the Northwest and Northeast regions,“ he said.
He said the support from the UK International Development reflects the international community‘s commitment to assisting Nigeria in promoting stability, access to justice, and accountability.
On his part, the DG Institute for Peace Conflict Resolution, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said they are partnering to ensure that they are able to bring stakeholders on board to address some of these problems.
He said the collaborative event served as a platform for stakeholders from different regions to share knowledge and experiences, aiming to implement best practices at the community level.
He said the call for a collective effort to reverse the trend of violence in Nigeria resonates as a shared responsibility among stakeholders.
Expressing the need for a common consensus, Ochogwu emphasized that ending the cycle of violence requires the active participation of all stakeholders, from authorities to community members.
“The plea for a national and local level consensus among critical stakeholders was underscored as essential for effectively tackling the crisis,“ he said.
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