Project
By Shuaib Sadiq
Gusau, Dec.16, 2025 (NAN)
Gov. Dauda Lawal, has inaugurated a €5.1 million European Union-funded project aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and resilience in conflict-affected communities in Zamfara.
This is contained in a statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Idris in Gusau, Zamfara on Tuesday.
Idris said Lawal inaugurated the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response, and Resilience (CPCRR) project at the Rescue Hall, Government House, Gusau., Zamfara
According to Idris, the governor inaugurated the 18-month CPCRR project in the presence of Mr Gautier Mignot, the European Union Ambassador in Nigeria.
The statement added that others on the ambassador’s entourage included the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, and the IOM Head of Sub Africa (NW), Jean Nahesi Katumbakana.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is being funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
NAN reports that the project builds on earlier EU-supported peace and reconciliation efforts and aims to directly support over 95,000 beneficiaries, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, host communities, women, and youth across 10 Local Government Areas (eight in Katsina State and two in Zamfara).
Speaking at the launch, Lawal emphasised that the importance of the peace project extended beyond policy papers and programme schedules.
“It directly relates to the everyday realities of our people and reflects our shared commitment to creating a more stable, united, and strong society.
“I warmly welcome the delegation of the European Union, ably led by His Excellency, Ambassador Gautier Mignot; our partners from the International Organisation for Migration; representatives of implementing organisations; our revered traditional rulers; civil society leaders; and all distinguished guests.
“Since this administration began, we’ve aimed to address insecurity clearly and comprehensively.
“Recognising that lasting peace relies on addressing root causes such as exclusion, economic vulnerability, weak institutions, and eroded community trust. We’ve focused on these issues to inform our policies and partnerships.
“This intervention complements the Zamfara Government’s efforts to strengthen local peace, revitalise livelihoods for youth and women, improve coordination across ministries and agencies, and support community dialogue mechanisms,” Lawal said.
He noted that the efforts were driven by the belief that security, development, and good governance mutually reinforce one another and must progress in tandem.
“On behalf of Zamfara government and its people, I thank the European Union for its continued partnership.
“I also commend the International Organisation for Migration, CDD, and Mercy Corps for their expertise and collaborative spirit.
*Your investment at this critical time shows confidence in our reform efforts and shared hope for lasting stability.
“Peace-building is a collective undertaking. It demands commitment from every segment of society and sustained cooperation among partners.
“It is therefore, my honour to formally flag off the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience Project in Zamfara,” Lawal added.
Earlier, the European Union Ambassador, Mignot, commended Lawal’s dedication and support to development partners in his effort to ensure a better Zamfara.
On her part, the head of Mission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Mrs, Dimanche Sharon said the response is targeting over 95,000 people, in Katsina and Zamfara States.
Sharon said, the programme would be implemented in eight local government areas in Katsina State, and two in Zamfara with the intention to expand to a third LGA, which is Tsafe.
According to her, over the past years, Northwest Nigeria has faced significant instability, with more than 650,000 people displaced and over 142,000 returnees recorded.
Sharon said that Zamfara alone “is currently hosting over 200,000 displaced persons and close to 10,000 returnees.”
She noted that how: “too many families had been uprooted, too many farms abandoned, and too many lives disrupted.
“Yet, in the midst of these difficulties, the people of Zamfara have demonstrated remarkable resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to rebuild and return to their homes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
SSA/KLM
========
Edited by Muhammad Lawal