How to achieve peace in Nigeria, by experts

Some experts have met in Abuja to chart paths for sustainable peace in Nigeria and across the West African region.

The meeting, held with the Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa, was anchored by a global peace advocate and founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace, Mr Steve Killelea.

It brought together top officials of the host organisation, including the IEP Country Representative, Mr Roy Nwafor; Team Lead of SPRiNG, Prof. Ukiwo Ukoha; Mr Obinna Chukwuezie; and Ms Lara Raji of CORN West Africa.

In a statement, the Head of Programmes and Operations, CORN West Africa, Lara Raji, quoted Mr Obinna Chukwuezie, the Associate Director, CORN West Africa, as noting that while global peace frameworks provide structure for understanding conflict trends, gaps remained in capturing local perspectives.

He said local peace metrics, when combined with strong narratives, could influence behaviour, shape public discourse, and support more responsive policymaking.

Killelea underscored the economic and social value of peace, stressing that countries that strengthen the institutions and attitudes that sustain peace are better positioned for long term growth and stability.

Ukoha. highlighted the significance of the NPAID initiative led by CORN West Africa, describing it as a vital tool for understanding patterns of both violence and resilience.

 He explained that tracking peace efforts across government, communities, security institutions, and civil society will help identify what works in preventing conflict.

According to him, building evidence around successful peace interventions will not only deepen understanding but also encourage the replication of effective strategies across different contexts.

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Ms Raji pointed to the National Peace Web as a strategic platform for documenting peace actions, actors, and community level mechanisms that sustain stability. She explained that the platform provides real time insights that complement global indices and strengthen the  evidence base for peacebuilding.

Ms Raji said deliberations focused on strengthening the use of data, local knowledge, and community driven approaches to prevent conflict and build resilience.

She said participants examined how Positive Peace frameworks can better serve Nigeria’s peacebuilding priorities by aligning global insights with local realities. The discussion emphasised the need for credible, real time data that reflects lived experiences within communities, especially in fragile and conflict affected areas.

She was optimistic that the engagement would signal a commitment to bridging the gap between research and practice and reinforced the importance of collaboration in equipping policymakers, practitioners, and communities with the tools needed to prevent conflict, manage tensions, and build inclusive peace across Nigeria and the wider region.