EU Reaffirms Support for Peacebuilding Efforts in Nigeria

The European Union (EU) has reiterated its commitment to supporting peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in the country’s northeastern region affected by insurgency and insecurity.

Through various collaborative programmes with the Nigerian Government and international partners, the EU is backing initiatives focused on reconciliation, reintegration of former combatants, and strengthening community resilience. One of such initiatives is the Joint Programme launched in March 2024 to support reconciliation and reintegration in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. The programme is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with UNDP, UNICEF, and UNODC.

In addition, the EU is supporting the “Support for Disengagement, Review, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (SD3R)” project, which was recently launched by the Office of the National Security Adviser. The SD3R project aims to facilitate the safe disengagement and reintegration of individuals formerly associated with non-state armed groups, with a strong emphasis on justice and community-based approaches.

The EU has also extended support to peacebuilding initiatives in Katsina State, focusing on mediation efforts, early warning systems, psychosocial support, and the strengthening of local governance structures to foster peace and stability.

National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized the government’s focus on non-kinetic approaches to addressing security challenges, stressing the need for reconciliation and community engagement. Similarly, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, affirmed the EU’s dedication to rebuilding affected communities through inclusive and sustainable interventions.

Since 2014, the European Union has committed over €2.5 billion to stabilization efforts across the Lake Chad region, reflecting its longstanding partnership with Nigeria in promoting peace, security, and development.

The EU’s ongoing support is aimed at fostering social cohesion, addressing root causes of conflict, and ensuring the sustainable reintegration of affected individuals back into society.