The National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC) has called on Nigerians to make peace a daily commitment, with greater investment in justice, education, economic opportunities and dialogue to promote national stability.
The Commandant-General of NUPEC and the Nigerian Mines Rangers Service, Dr Chinedu Neji, made the call in Abuja at a media briefing to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace.
The event, held under the theme, “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere and Every Day,” focused on the need for collective action to address insecurity, illegal mining and other factors capable of undermining peace and development.
Neji said peace should not be viewed simply as the absence of violence but as an environment where justice, human dignity, tolerance, cooperation, security and hope are protected.
“Peace is not something we should remember only when there is war. Peace is not merely the absence of violence. Peace is the presence of justice, respect for human life, understanding, cooperation, tolerance, dignity, security and hope,” he said.
He identified illegal mining, competition over land and natural resources, environmental degradation and unemployment as factors capable of fuelling tensions and insecurity in affected communities.
Neji called for a comprehensive approach to farmer-herder conflicts and other security challenges through sustained dialogue, effective law enforcement, responsible management of land and natural resources, protection of livelihoods and community-based peacebuilding.
He also urged Nigerians to promote tolerance and dialogue, particularly during election periods.
“Election is a period where we choose our leaders. Our advice simply is that we should tolerate one another. We should invest in dialogue instead of confrontation, unity instead of division, and hope instead of despair,” he said.
Neji urged Nigerians to reject hatred, discrimination, violence and criminality, stressing that lasting peace required deliberate efforts by individuals, communities and institutions.
He also called on the executive and legislative arms of government to support measures aimed at strengthening the responsible management and protection of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
He said addressing conflicts linked to natural resources required stronger institutions, community engagement and policies that balanced economic development with environmental protection and the interests of affected communities.
