The European Union (EU), the Federal Government and the Kano State Government have called for stronger community-based approaches to addressing insecurity in Northern Nigeria, stressing that military operations alone cannot deliver lasting peace.
The call was made during a high-level seminar on security and conflict management held at Bayero University, Kano, where government officials, diplomats, academics and development experts examined strategies for tackling the region’s persistent security challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Haruna Musa, said the complexity of insecurity in Northern Nigeria requires collaboration among government institutions, academia, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and development partners.
He noted that universities have a critical role to play in generating research and evidence-based solutions that can support peace-building and sustainable development.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described insecurity as one of the major obstacles to development in Northern Nigeria, urging stakeholders to focus on addressing the root causes of violence, including poverty, unemployment and social exclusion.
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He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through investments in education, agriculture, health, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, peace-building and security initiatives.
According to him, the EU and its member states have committed substantial funding to development programmes in Nigeria, with a growing focus on interventions in Northern Nigeria aimed at youth empowerment, community resilience and economic inclusion.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director of State Liaison at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Lami Chinade, said Nigeria’s security strategy is increasingly incorporating non-military measures designed to prevent conflict and strengthen community resilience.
She noted that while security agencies have continued to make sacrifices in combating violent groups, sustainable peace can only be achieved by addressing the social and economic conditions that fuel insecurity.
The Federal Government, she said, is advancing programmes focused on education, youth development, dialogue and social cohesion, while also developing a National Peace Framework to strengthen community-driven peace-building efforts across the country.
Also speaking, Kano State Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Musa Shanono, said conflict and violence have imposed significant human and economic costs on the region, underscoring the need for collective action.
He emphasised the importance of involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths, civil society groups and development partners in efforts to promote peace and stability.
Participants at the seminar agreed that long-term security in Northern Nigeria would depend on sustained investments in education, job creation, social inclusion and stronger partnerships among governments, communities and international partners.
The event is part of a diplomatic visit by European Union ambassadors to Kano State aimed at strengthening cooperation and reviewing ongoing development and peace-building programmes in the region.
