The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria has pledged continued support for government-led efforts to link humanitarian response, peacebuilding and long-term development in Northwest Nigeria.
Mr Taha Amr, Deputy Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, made the commitment on Wednesday in Abuja during the closing of a high-level stakeholders’ meeting of the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) Project Steering Committee (PSC) for Zamfara.
The meeting was organised by IOM in collaboration with the Federal Government, Zamfara Government and the European Union (EU).
Amr said the partnership was aimed at advancing peace, resilience and sustainable recovery in the region through locally-led solutions.
He said the meeting also provided an opportunity for the PSC to assess progress under the programme and identify priority actions for addressing the drivers and effects of conflict.
According to him, Northwest Nigeria continues to face multiple challenges, including armed banditry, kidnapping, farmer- herder conflicts and climate related shocks.
He said the challenges had contributed to economic vulnerabilities, displacement, disruption of livelihoods, food insecurity and limited access to essential services, particularly in Zamfara.
“Growing needs require integrated investments that simultaneously address conflict prevention, protection, livelihoods, governance, climate resilience and durable solutions,” Amr said.
He reiterated IOM’s commitment to working with government, the EU, implementing partners and communities to scale up evidence -based and community- centered approaches that promote peace, resilience and durable solutions across the region.
Speaking on behalf of Gov. Dauda Lawal, Prof. Zakari Yahaya, Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Chairman of the PSC, said the Zamfara Government was committed to restoring peace and protecting lives.
Lawal said the administration inherited challenges involving insecurity, mistrust, displacement and loss of livelihoods.
He described the CPCRR as one of the key vehicles through which the government was implementing its peace and development agenda.
“In this phase of the CPCRR, I wish to make a passionate appeal for sustained engagement, consolidation of the gains, and consideration for additional funding and a follow-on programme.
“An investment in peace in Zamfara is an investment in the stability of the entire Northwest,” he said.
The governor assured that his administration would provide the necessary political, security and institutional support for the successful completion of the programme and future collaborations.
Also speaking, Mr Gautier Mignot, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), called for strategic coordination to prevent duplication among EU-supported projects in Zamfara.
Mignot said the meeting provided an opportunity to assess the practical impact of the project on communities, identify areas requiring further attention and discuss ways of sustaining its gains after completion.
Newsextra24 reports that the meeting brought together government officials, development partners, implementing partners and community representatives.
They reviewed the progress; achievements and lessons learned from the programme and discussed ways to strengthen collaboration on peace-building, resilience, social cohesion and community stability in conflict-affected communities in Zamfara.
