Abuja: The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), on Monday, inaugurated a £5.1 million fund to enhance conflict prevention and crisis response programmes in Zamfara and Katsina States. The 18-month programme, titled ‘Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience in Katsina and Zamfara States (CPCRR),’ is supported by the European Union (EU) and will be implemented by IOM in collaboration with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ms. Dimanche Sharon, IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, stated that the programme aims to transform resilience into lasting peace and stability. The initiative involves creating local peace committees to facilitate dispute resolution through dialogue rather than violence. Additionally, it focuses on restoring livelihoods through skills training, farming support, and small business development, enabling young people and women to build their futures without fear. With support from the European Union/Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) and in partnership with Mercy Corps Netherlands and the Centre for Democracy and Development, IOM Nigeria is collaborating with government, partners, and communities to address the root causes of conflicts.
The programme targets displaced persons, returnees, and host communities across 10 local government areas, consisting of eight in Katsina and two in Zamfara. It aims to impact 95,000 individuals, promoting resilience and fostering lasting peace and stability.
Amb. Gautier Migno, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s sustainability and development initiatives. He highlighted the EU’s enhanced support for the education and energy sectors, with an emphasis on peace and security. Migno also emphasized the importance of including women and people with disabilities in peace-building processes.
Gov. Dikko Radda described the project as a new era of hope and development for the state. He noted that conflicts had led to the closure of schools and abandonment of farmland, particularly in frontline local government areas. Radda stressed that addressing the crisis requires strong commitment from the government and other stakeholders and commended the EU for its efforts in tackling the issue.