Stakeholders In Nigeria Seek Collaborative Approach To Conflict Resolution

Abuja, Nigeria – The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in collaboration with other peace advocacy groups, has emphasized the urgent need for a united front in tackling the growing number of conflicts plaguing Nigeria.

At a two-day training workshop on early warning response groups (EWRG) in Abuja, participants from various security agencies and government departments acknowledged the crucial role of collaboration in preventing further escalation of violence.

The workshop, organized by IPCR, Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigeria Early Response (PARTNER), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), focused on strengthening early warning and response systems across the country.

Deputy Director of Research at IPCR and coordinator of the PARTNER project, Mr. Steve Agbo, highlighted the critical issue of delayed response as a major barrier to effective conflict prevention.

He emphasized that the EWRG initiative, established in 2003, aims to bridge this gap by bringing together security and non-security personnel from diverse agencies.

The group is currently operational in nine states, including Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano.

Chief Superintendent Oguntayo Olayinka of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), a participant in the training, lauded the workshop’s emphasis on understanding the dynamics of conflict.

He stated that the training equipped participants with the skills to analyze conflict situations, identify underlying needs and interests, and subsequently develop tailored solutions.

The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to address the root causes of conflicts, fostering cooperation and trust among stakeholders.

Participants included representatives from the Directorate of State Services (DSS), FRSC, NEMA, the Nigeria Police (NPF), and various Ministry Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Agbo referenced a UN-World Bank report highlighting the growing number of violent conflicts since 2010 and the need for effective conflict prevention mechanisms.

He emphasized that early warning and response systems (EWRS) play a crucial role in mitigating escalating violence, thus underscoring the importance of the training and the collaborative efforts it seeks to encourage.

The workshop is expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution in Nigeria, focusing on early intervention and a united front against violence.

The IPCR and its partners are committed to promoting sustainable peace in the country through enhanced early warning systems and collaborative efforts across all levels of government and society.