In a recent interview, Michael Olugbodein from Abuja reported on a critical initiative aimed at addressing conflict resolution in Nigeria. The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), along with various stakeholders in peace advocacy, emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to minimize conflicts throughout the nation. This call to action was made during a two-day training workshop for an Early Warning Response Group (EWRG) focusing on conflict resolution.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Steve Agbo, the Deputy Director of Research at the National Conflict Early Warning and Early Response and coordinator of the project, explained, “The goal of this initiative is to strengthen Nigeria’s early warning and response systems to foster sustainable peace through proactive conflict prevention. Our research indicates that a significant barrier to effective conflict early warning in Nigeria is the lack of timely responses, which contributes to the ongoing multitude of conflicts across the country.”
Agbo stressed the importance of the training group, stating, “Today’s workshop is aimed at establishing a diverse Early Warning Response Group that includes both security and non-security personnel from various agencies.” He noted that the initiative began in 2003 and has since expanded to include established groups at the state level in nine selected states, including Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano.
Mr. Oguntayo Olayinka, a Chief Superintendent with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), shared his insights as a participant: “This training has equipped us with a model for effectively managing conflicts. We learned to identify stakeholder interests and needs, which enhances our ability to analyze conflicts and propose viable solutions.”
The workshop attracted high-ranking representatives from key security agencies, including the Directorate of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), among others.
Looking ahead, the training aims to achieve its targeted goals by developing a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of conflict while promoting cooperation and trust among all stakeholders. This initiative is a collaborative effort by the IPCR, Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigeria Early Response (PARTNER), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Agbo concluded by referencing the UN-World Bank report, “Pathways for Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing Violent Conflict,” which highlights an alarming increase in violent conflicts since 2010. He underscored the necessity of conflict prevention mechanisms, such as Early Warning and Response Systems (EWRS), and the importance of modern training techniques to empower key stakeholders in resolving conflicts effectively.
