Security
Abuja, Sept. 3, 2025 – The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) approved the validation of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) instrument for its Network of Policymakers and Religious Leaders to strengthen Nigeria’s security and reconciliation framework.
Speaking at the validation workshop on Tuesday in Abuja the Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, described the initiative as a “culminating moment” in years of dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, religious leaders, and civil society actors.
“Today marks a significant step in our collective journey toward fostering a resilient platform where faith-based and government institutions come together not just to dialogue, but to deliberate, decide, and implement strategies that address the critical issues affecting our country,” he said.
Ochogwu noted that since its inception in 2022, the Network has evolved into a robust platform for dialogue, providing evidence-based solutions to Nigeria’s complex peace and security challenges.
He highlighted six critical areas that have emerged as priorities: economic security, food security, health and personal safety, environmental stability, community ownership of peace processes, and political governance.
“These are not abstract issues; they are everyday realities that fuel insecurity if left unaddressed,” he stressed, calling for inclusive growth, resilient health systems, environmental protection, and stronger democratic institutions.
The new M&E tool, he explained, would ensure accountability and continuity by tracking the implementation of policy recommendations and peacebuilding commitments made by the Network.
The DG also commended development partners, including KAICIID and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), for their consistent support, while urging stakeholders to “institutionalise a culture of evidence-based policy engagement that strengthens reconciliation, peacebuilding, and security governance in Nigeria.”
Also speaking, Mr Kabiru Musa, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, emphasised the need to safeguard institutional memory in peace initiatives despite leadership changes.
“Continuity is critical. Whatever decisions we make must be properly documented so that progress is not lost when officers are reassigned. This instrument will help us measure progress, identify gaps, and sustain impact,” he said.
Musa also pledged the ministry’s support for the initiative.(NAN)
