UN strengthens peace infrastructures in Kaduna and Katsina States

As part of a joint DPPA-UNOWAS country familiarization mission to Nigeria, Ms. Wifag Hadra, Political Affairs Officer with DPPA Western Africa Division; and Ms. Falmata Liman, Political Affairs Officer with UNOWAS, undertook a field visit to Kaduna State on 18 January 2024 where they met with UN agencies (UNDP, IOM and UN Women) implementing the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) project focused on strengthening the Infrastructures for Peace in Kaduna and Katsina States.

They were also welcomed by the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State, Ms. Hajiya Rabi Salisu Ibrahim; Permanent Secretary for Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State, ​Ms. Dorcas Benjamin Tanko; Director for Youth Services within Ministry of Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State, Ms. Mariyam Muazu; and the Executive Vice Chairman for the Kaduna State Peace Commission (KPSC), Dr. Saleh Momale; and the Special Advisor to the Governor on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Sanke Atiku. 

Discussions included a focus on the achievements of the PBF project including efforts to domesticate the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Action Plan in Kaduna State; strengthened coordination among state actors and civil society and security services for early warning and early response to conflict situations; and strengthened mental health and psycho- support (MH/PSS) support to communities impacted by violent conflict. 

The KPSC identified additional areas for support, including enhancing mediation capacity that is inclusive, establishing an insider mediation network, institutionalizing conflict sensitivity across government planning/programming, and embedding the culture of peace in the formal education system. Lastly, discussions highlighted the need to have a balanced approach to preventing and resolving conflicts with non-kinetic means.