The National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has highlighted the importance of incorporating technology into Nigeria’s conflict resolution frameworks, emphasizing that such an approach could significantly aid in tackling the country’s complex security issues.
Ribadu’s remarks came during a national stakeholders’ engagement and the unveiling of the Early Warning, Early Response (EWER) programme, organized by Mercy Corps in Abuja on Tuesday (yesterday, October 29).
Representing Ribadu, Mr. Sunday Ogar, Deputy Director of Crisis Response at the Office of the NSA, praised the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) for using technology to prevent and resolve conflicts.
Ogar, standing in for Rear Admiral Robert Obande-Obeya, Director of the Presidential Communications Command and Control at the NSA’s office, underscored the growing necessity of technological interventions in conflict management.
He highlighted the establishment of the EWER situation room, a facility aimed at enhancing conflict response metrics across Nigeria, marking a significant advancement toward peace, security, and stability in both Nigeria and Africa at large.
“The IPCR’s dedication to using technology aligns well with our national security strategy,” he stated. “These systems will bolster our commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and social cohesion, strengthening our institutions for conflict prevention and resolution, and supporting economic growth and humanitarian aid.”
The NSA also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaboration, information sharing, community-led initiatives, and grassroots engagement to make evidence-based security decisions.
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director General of the Nigerian Institute for Peace and Resolution (NIPR), reinforced the institute’s dedication to fostering peace across Nigeria and beyond.
Ochogwu mentioned NIPR’s partnership with a consortium led by Mercy Corps Nigeria, supported by the West African Network for Peacebuilding, Kaduna State Peace Commission, and Plateau Peacebuilding Agency.
Known as Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigerian Early Response (PARTNER) and funded by USAID, the initiative commenced in February 2022 in nine states, beginning with Plateau and Kaduna.
Ochogwu described various initiatives, including conflict and stakeholder mapping, the creation of community peace structures, and the establishment of Early Warning Monitoring and Reporting Groups (EWMRG), Community-Based Reconciliation Committees (CBRC), and Gender Focal Persons (GFP).
“This initiative has empowered communities to monitor and report conflict indicators, fostering local ownership and improving non-violent conflict response,” he added.
Angela Martin, USAID Nigeria’s Director for Peace and Development, expressed the U.S. government’s commitment to enhancing conflict resilience and strengthening governmental institutions in peace and conflict management.
Additionally, Mercy Corps Country Director Ndubisi Anyawu stressed that the new situation room exemplifies the value of collaboration among local, state, and international partners in achieving the nation-building goals of peace and stability.
