The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr Joseph Ochogwu, has called for the urgent adoption of a National Peace Policy to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges through a coordinated and institutionalised framework.
Speaking at a high-level dialogue in Abuja, Ochogwu warned that peace in Nigeria is “not a luxury but a foundational imperative,” stressing that fragmented interventions across sectors have weakened impact and led to duplication of efforts.
He noted that the proposed policy aims to harmonise peacebuilding initiatives among government agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners, shifting Nigeria’s approach from reactive crisis management to a more strategic and preventive model.
Describing the country as being at a “defining crossroads,” the IPCR boss highlighted ongoing conflicts across regions and emphasised the need for a unified national framework to ensure effective coordination, accountability, and sustainable peace outcomes.
Ochogwu also urged political leaders to embrace issue-based politics, warning that divisive rhetoric could further inflame tensions ahead of future elections.
The renewed push for the policy aligns with the administration of Bola Tinubu and reflects efforts to update earlier frameworks to address emerging threats such as banditry and climate-related conflicts.
