The Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) has called on the Federal Government to deepen national collaboration in the fight against insecurity, stressing that peacebuilding must become a central pillar of Nigeria’s governance and her development strategy.
SPSP President, Mr. Nathaniel Msen Awuapila, made the appeal at the opening ceremony of the 19th International Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Society, held at the Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, University of Ibadan. He emphasized that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most challenging national burdens, requiring decisive leadership, coordinated structures, and multi-sector partnership.
Awuapila urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen engagement with peace experts, researchers, and community actors, noting that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through government efforts alone.
“We are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to work closely with peace professionals, researchers, and grassroots actors to help solve the insecurity confronting our nation,” he said.
While commending the administration’s All-of-Government approach, he stressed that countries facing prolonged insecurity must adopt an All-of-Nation model to foster durable solutions. Awuapila expressed concern that Nigeria still does not have a national peace policy framework more than 65 years after independence.
“A national peace policy was drafted more than 15 years ago, but it has remained only a draft,” he lamented, describing the absence of a unified framework as a key obstacle to coordinated peacebuilding.
He called for the immediate formulation and adoption of a national peace policy that would align institutions and communities toward a shared agenda for stability. Awuapila highlighted SPSP’s contributions over the years, ranging from research and policy support to community intervention, affirming the Society’s readiness to partner with government in strengthening the country’s peace architecture.
“With economic pressures deepening and security threats evolving, Nigeria must safeguard its internal peace systems for the future,” he added. “We stand ready to support government in designing and implementing sustainable strategies that will strengthen security while promoting national unity.”
The conference, themed “Economic Challenges and the Tasks of Building Sustainable Peace in a Globalised World,” attracted key stakeholders including former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), who delivered the keynote address; Chief Adebisi Akande, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan; Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Special Adviser to the President on Community Engagement; Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayode Adebowale; SPSP founder Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert; Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap; and top government officials from Oyo and Benue States.
A major highlight of the event was the induction of 40 new Fellows of SPSP, drawn from security institutions, academia, government ministries, and the humanitarian sector reflecting the Society’s expanding role in shaping peace and development thought across the country.
Speakers at the conference warned that Nigeria’s economic and development aspirations may remain elusive without firm and strategic peace interventions. They called for renewed commitment at all levels to address the root causes of conflict, promote social cohesion, and strengthen national resilience.
Reporting By Niran Odufayo