The Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme convened high-level government officials, security agencies, programme partners, and civil society leaders in Abuja for its inaugural Annual Learning and Adaptation Event.
According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online, the event brought together key stakeholders to review evidence-based strategies for reducing violence, institutionalizing peace, and strengthening climate resilience across northern Nigeria.
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SPRiNG is a four-year initiative (2024–2028) funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by Tetra Tech International Development in partnership with Nextier SPD, the Centre for Democracy and Development, and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.
The programme seeks to enhance institutional capacity for conflict management, boost public confidence in government institutions, and create stronger incentives for peace across the country.
The two-day event featured keynote remarks from the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, and Major General A.G. Laka, representing the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre.
Montgomery highlighted a strategic shift in SPRiNG’s approach, emphasizing institutional strengthening over ad-hoc peace efforts. “Nigeria is one of our most important diplomatic partners.
Its influence will only grow, and that’s why the UK and Nigeria signed a Strategic Partnership in 2024,” he said.
He added, “The security and defence dialogue now covers both ‘kinetic’ and ‘non-kinetic’ approaches. SPRiNG provides a platform for institutional support, community-based initiatives, law enforcement, and resilience-building partnerships.”
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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, whose representative delivered the keynote address, stressed the importance of strategic communication and inter-agency collaboration in promoting national stability.
Representatives of the Ministers of Women Affairs and Social Development, and Livestock Development highlighted the critical links between gender inclusion, agropastoral practices, livelihoods, and national security.
SPRiNG Team Leader Ukoha Ukiwo noted that the programme’s strength lies in its “Evidence-driven and Adaptive Management” approach. “Conflict is dynamic; our solutions must be too.
Today’s event validated the impact of our interventions and emphasized preventive, structural support to government and civil society partners, such as the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation and Kaduna State Ministry of Internal Security,” he said.
A high-level panel moderated by Kemi Okenyedo explored progress and opportunities in strengthening peace and resilience.
Panellists included Ms Josephine Habba, Director General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security Sulaiman Shuaibu, and Ms Lantana Abdullahi, who advocated for the formal inclusion of women in peace and security frameworks.
The event concluded with a Project Fair, where stakeholders interacted directly with beneficiaries and implementing partners, showcasing the tangible “Peace Dividend” delivered to communities across Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau states.
Punch Online