In a significant move towards establishing sustainable peace and bolstering national security, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), operating under the auspices of the Office of the National Security Adviser, convened a high-level meeting in Sokoto State. This gathering, focused on “Building Inclusive Advocacy Coalitions for Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Pathways out of Violence,” brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, and international partners. The meeting served as a platform for strategic dialogue, collaborative planning, and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism.
The NCTC Director, Hajiya Mario Abbas, addressing the participants, emphasized the criticality of collective action in tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges. Echoing the sentiments of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, she expressed gratitude to the Sokoto State Government and other partners for their unwavering support in implementing the national policy framework and action plan designed to prevent and counter violent extremism. At the heart of the discussions was the importance of adopting a holistic approach—encompassing the entire government and society—to effectively address the multifaceted nature of security threats.
The NCTC, as the central coordinating body for counter-terrorism initiatives, plays a vital role in various programs, notably the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program. This program offers a crucial pathway out of violence and criminality for individuals previously involved in terrorism and violent extremism, providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration back into society. The process also ensures that high-risk individuals are subjected to appropriate legal processes, balancing the need for rehabilitation with the demands of justice. The meeting further emphasized the strategic importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a more efficient and cost-effective method for resolving conflicts, particularly in communities where traditional legal systems may be inaccessible or insufficient.
Empowering local actors emerged as a key theme. Recognizing the profound influence of civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and religious leaders within communities, participants underscored the need to equip these groups with the necessary resources and support to effectively contribute to peacebuilding initiatives. Discussions centered on the critical intersection between natural resource management and conflict, particularly prevalent in the North-West region. Stakeholders explored various strategies to promote peace through sustainable resource governance, ensuring equitable access and benefit-sharing, and implementing robust reconciliation mechanisms. This focus on addressing root causes, in conjunction with exit pathways provided by programs like DDR, underscores a comprehensive approach to achieving lasting peace.
The event, lauded as timely and aligned with presidential directives, underscored the importance of linking local initiatives to national policy processes. It specifically addressed the “Executive Policy and Peer Learning Roundtable on Natural Resources Management and Pathways out of Violence in the North-West.” This focus on the North-West highlighted the region-specific challenges and the necessity of tailoring solutions to the specific context. Participants included key figures like Hon. Adewale Moruf Adebayo, Chairman of the House Committee on Peace Building and Social Cohesion, who joined virtually, along with the Secretary to Benue State Government, Bar Deborah Serlumun Aber, and representatives from the Zamfara and Katsina state judiciaries. This demonstrates a commitment to intergovernmental cooperation and cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing security issues.
Hajiya Abbas reinforced the NCTC’s unwavering dedication to strengthening partnerships and building institutional capacity. This includes fostering cooperation between government agencies, local authorities, and international partners, which is seen as essential for ensuring long-term peace and security in Nigeria. Dr. Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert, emphasized the importance of collective action and collaborative problem-solving. The meeting, he noted, facilitated peer learning, policy review, and the identification of crucial gaps in current security strategies. Furthermore, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Lead for the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) program, highlighted the support provided by the United Kingdom government in bolstering peace and stability in the country, underscoring the important role of international partnerships in this effort. These partnerships bring together diverse expertise and resources, creating a more resilient and coordinated response to complex security challenges.
