The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) project, supported by the United Kingdom International Development, has launched a pilot project aimed at enhancing Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) to conflicts in Plateau State.
The HD initiative aims to develop a robust, community-driven, and well-coordinated EWER strategy that will serve as a model for preventing violent conflicts in Plateau State and beyond.
Speaking at the launch in Jos, the Plateau state capital, HD’s Country Director, Dr. Chris Agoha, emphasized the urgent need to improve EWER mechanisms.
He noted that the North Central and North West regions of Nigeria have long struggled with resource-based conflicts, banditry, and rising criminality. A major contributor to the escalation of violence, he explained, is the inadequacy of existing EWER systems in effectively identifying, reporting, and responding to early warning signals.
“Challenges such as poor coordination, delayed reporting, and inadequate legal and policy frameworks hinder the effectiveness of current initiatives. Over the past two weeks, HD has engaged a broad spectrum of stakeholders across Plateau State’s three senatorial zones—including the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Local Government Councils, traditional and religious leaders, community stakeholders, and non-state actors. The goal is to collaboratively develop a response strategy and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that ensure inclusivity, alignment, and commitment to strengthening the EWER systems in Plateau State,” Dr. Agoha stated.
He further stressed that in today’s evolving security landscape, swift and effective response mechanisms are paramount.
“At its core, an early warning and early response system is designed to identify and analyze conflict trends, alert stakeholders to conflict risks, inform decision-making, and initiate timely responses to prevent violence. Promoting local ownership and community-based reporting will empower communities to take an active role in conflict prevention and resolution,” he added.
Dr. Agoha urged stakeholders to adopt a result-driven mindset in discussions to develop an effective and inclusive EWER strategy.
He highlighted that a jointly owned strategy could serve as a vital tool for mitigating violence in Plateau State and the broader North Central region.
“Integrating both tactical and strategic early warning approaches, alongside data-sharing among stakeholders, will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the EWER system. Addressing conflicts before they escalate is crucial to minimizing the ramifications and fostering sustainable development. Conflict interventions are always costlier than prevention in terms of human life, productivity, and resources. With evolving security challenges and increasingly sophisticated technologies, conflict EWER systems must adapt to remain effective,” he emphasized.
Panelists and participants at the event discussed the topics: overcoming Inter-Agency Coordination and Collaboration Hurdles.
The consultation brought together representatives from various state and non-state sectors, including security agencies, traditional institutions, Plateau indigenous groups, the State House of Assembly, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), among others.
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