Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has launched the Strengthening Peace Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, a United Kingdom-supported initiative aimed at promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention, climate resilience and inclusive development across the state.
The governor spoke at the official launch held in Katsina last Friday, describing the programme as a major milestone in efforts to consolidate peace and stability in Katsina State and Nigeria.
He said the initiative is being implemented in partnership with organisations including Tetra Tech International Development, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the Centre for Peace and Monetary Endowment, and Nextier SPD, alongside traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media.
Governor Radda said the SPRiNG Programme reflects the strong strategic partnership between the United Kingdom Government and the Government of Nigeria, “built around shared priorities of good governance, peace and security, climate action and inclusive development”.
He noted that Nigeria’s stability remains critical not only for the country itself but also for the wider West African sub-region and the African continent.
“Katsina State has faced complex security and environmental challenges, including armed banditry, farmer–herder conflicts, desertification, erratic rainfall and increasing pressure on natural resources. These challenges have contributed to displacement, loss of livelihoods and social tension in many communities,” he said.
Radda explained that despite these challenges, the state has continued to show resilience through a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic interventions.
“Despite these difficulties, the state has demonstrated resilience through community-led peace dialogues, the establishment of the Community Watch Corps as a first-line response to rural insecurity, and the strengthening of intelligence gathering and conflict resolution through the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs,” he added.
He highlighted his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, pointing to the appointment of women to key leadership positions and the adoption of State Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“Katsina State was recently ranked among the top performers nationally in sub-national climate governance,” the governor said.
Also speaking, Graham Gass, Senior Social Development Adviser, Governance and Stability at the British High Commission in Abuja, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Katsina State through the SPRiNG Programme.
He explained that the programme is designed to strengthen conflict prevention and resolution, promote peaceful coexistence and support climate-resilient livelihoods.
“The UK values its strategic partnership with Nigeria. Through SPRiNG, we aim to help communities reduce violence, improve ecological stewardship and build resilience against climate change,” Gass said.
He added that the programme will also provide technical assistance for climate-sensitive peacebuilding.
In his remarks, Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Leader of the SPRiNG programme, highlighted the expected impact of the initiative.
Ukiwo said the programme aims to contribute to a more stable and peaceful Nigeria where citizens benefit from reduced violence and increased resilience to climate change pressures.
According to him, Nigerian stakeholders would become more willing and able to engage with non-violent approaches to challenges related to conflict, security, justice and natural resource management.
“Nigerians increasingly trust and patronise institutions and actors responsible for conflict management and natural resource management because they demonstrate improved capability, inclusivity, transparency and accountability in service delivery,” he said.
Ukiwo explained that the programme would enhance capacity, improve public confidence and increase patronage of peace, security and justice institutions and actors in grievance management, conflict resolution and violence prevention, including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The SPRiNG programme adopts an integrated approach combining dialogue, peacebuilding, climate resilience and livelihood support as Katsina State continues efforts towards a more peaceful future.
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