Esther Oseyiomon
Efforts to localise Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PF-NAP) have gained traction across states.
The initiative is being driven by PCVE-KIRH in partnership with Nextier, SPRING, UK International Development (FCDO), Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund and National Counter Terrorism Centre.
At a virtual forum on Wednesday, about 63 participants, including state actors, civil society groups and government representatives, discussed practical steps for implementation.
Chair of PAVE Network, Jaye Gaskia, called for stronger stakeholder engagement, resource mobilisation and capacity building.
Stakeholders stressed the need for sustained collaboration and coordination to tackle violent extremism at community level.
State representatives highlighted progress in developing action plans, while noting challenges such as coordination gaps and bureaucratic delays.
Participants also underscored the role of youth engagement, early warning systems and community-based approaches.
The forum ended with a call for stronger political will and joint action to ensure effective implementation nationwide.