The Federal Government has launched a five-year National Framework for Peace, Social Cohesion and Resilience aimed at improving conflict prevention and building a more united, secure society.

The framework, which will run from 2027 to 2031, was unveiled by the Office of Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) in collaboration with Triple Peace Africa. It is expected to provide a common direction for peacebuilding, social cohesion and national resilience across government institutions, civil society organisations and communities.

Developed after more than a year of nationwide consultations, expert dialogues, technical workshops and stakeholder engagements, the framework is designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, including new conflict dynamics and the growing impact of climate change.

The initiative received technical and financial support from the European Union and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of OSPRE, Mr Chris Ngwodo, described the document as a shared national doctrine that would harmonise peacebuilding efforts across federal, state and local levels.

He said the framework would be implemented from the state level, with OSPRE working directly with state peace commissions and other relevant institutions to turn its objectives into practical action.

Ngwodo explained that the new framework differed from the 2012 National Peace Policy because of its strong emphasis on local participation and implementation. He noted that peacebuilding must involve government agencies, civil society groups, traditional institutions and community-based organisations.

Institutions that participated in the development process include the National Boundary Commission, National Human Rights Commission, National Orientation Agency, Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The Executive Director of Triple Peace Africa, Dr Paul Nyulaku, said the framework would strengthen institutional coordination, improve collaboration among peacebuilding actors and promote a more integrated response to the root causes of conflict.

He said its implementation would encourage collective responsibility for building a peaceful, cohesive and resilient society.
The Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said the framework would improve conflict management across the country and align with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s efforts to sustain peace in the state’s 18 local government areas.

Fasoranti stressed the need for the initiative to benefit grassroots communities rather than remain an elite-driven project. He identified community-based organisations as critical to successful implementation because of their direct relationship and trust with local communities.

According to him, the framework aligns with the capacity-building workshop organised for traditional rulers in Ondo State, where the governor urged them to support government efforts to sustain peace.
Fasoranti said the state’s riverine areas were witnessing rapid development under the current administration, adding that infrastructure projects had renewed hope for improved socio-economic and political development.

He attributed the progress to the peace and tranquility enjoyed across the state, which he described as one of the most peaceful in the Niger Delta region.

Members of the implementation strategy team include the Chairman of the House Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion, Hon Sadiq Abass Tafida; the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa (rtd); Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu; and the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti.

Others are Dr Farouk Tafa of the National Boundary Commission; Dr Bridget Osakwe, Executive Director of WANEP; Ms Julie Sanda, Director-General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency; Mrs Josephine Habba, Director-General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation; Dr Jamila Suleiman, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Adamawa State Peace Commission; Bishop Innocent Solomon, Chairman/Director-General of the Taraba State Bureau of Peace and Conflict Management; Barrister Tahir Umar Tahir, Director-General of the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith; Dr Folayinka Dania, Chief Resilience Officer, Lagos State Resilience Office; and Dr Saleh Momale.

The framework seeks to establish an inclusive infrastructure for peace, connecting institutions, relationships and resources from the national to community level. It also adopts a rights-based approach that positions victims and affected communities as active participants in peacebuilding, recovery and access to justice.

Its implementation will separate political direction, technical coordination and operational delivery to ensure effective execution.