Maureen Okpe
The Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), has officially launched the 2024 Country Resilience and Human Security Assessment (CRHSA) Report.
A landmark document aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s early warning systems, building resilient communities, and promoting inclusive governance in the face of growing national and regional threats.
The launch was organised by OSPRE on Monday, in collaboration with ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate (EWD), the German Government, and the European Union, in Abuja.
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Speaking, the Director General of OSPRE, Chris Ngwodo, highlighted the significance of the report, which assesses key sectors including public health, economic stability, crime, food and climate security, gender inclusion, and internal displacement.
According to him, “The study assesses the various aspects of public life, economic, food, health, climate, environment, and gender security. It looks at current trends, vulnerabilities, resilience factors, and the countermeasures we must consolidate as a people.”
Ngwodo explained that the findings from the report would be shared across various sectors to inform policy, shape programme design, and guide interventions.
“We intend to use this data to guide interventions in areas such as internal displacement and migration, and to build health responses that focus on prevention. Conflict prevention and peacebuilding are high priority areas emerging from this report.”
He also noted that several programmes are already in the pipeline based on the findings. “One of the key initiatives will be carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, one of our core partners.”
Acting Director of ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate, Dr. Onyinye Onwuka, emphasized the regional dimension of the initiative, noting that similar assessments were carried out in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
“Early warning is not just about alerts; it is a yardstick for promoting peace, resilience, and stability. We must ensure this report does not sit on a shelf. The region is going through so much; we cannot afford to turn our backs.”
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Deputy Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy, Lea Smidt, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting human security in Nigeria and the West African region.
She said, “This is not just a launch it is a moment to reflect and exchange ideas on how Nigeria can build stronger, more resilient communities. The journey from shows the growing strength of African-owned data and analysis to inform sound policymaking.”
Smidt added, “Germany is proud to have supported this work. Our support reflects the essence of Germany’s Africa Policy—conflict prevention, inclusive governance, and resilience. Lasting peace must be built from within through data, foresight, and institutions that serve the people.”
In his keynote address, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said early warning systems must be people-centred.
He said, “Early warning is not just about technology it is about people who must receive, trust, interpret, and act on the information. The NOA ensures that warning messages are translated into local languages, adapted to community contexts, and delivered through trusted channels.”
Issa-Onilu, represented by Director Special Duties NOA, David Akoji announced that the NOA is currently carrying out nationwide campaigns across all 774 local government areas to promote awareness around government policies, national values, disaster preparedness, and peacebuilding.
He further stressed the need to counter disinformation as part of early warning efforts.
“Our relationship with OSPRE is one of shared purpose. We contribute data from our field structures and help build a feedback loop between institutions and communities.”
“We have launched campaigns to track and correct misinformation in real-time. In the absence of trust and truth, even the most accurate warnings fall flat.”
European Union Delegation Team Leader, Ruben Alba, commended OSPRE for providing timely alerts and coordinated responses, especially as Nigeria faces escalating security threats.
Alba said, “This launch comes at a critical time. Nigeria’s security challenges vary across regions, and each requires tailored responses. These threats are too large for one office to manage alone. We must work together and invest more, particularly in rural areas, to reduce conflict and build peace.”