In a significant move to tackle insecurity at its roots, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has officially inaugurated a major peace-building initiative funded by the European Union.
Project Launch and Key Partners
The Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response, and Resilience (CPCRR) project, valued at €5.1 million, was launched on Monday, December 16, 2025, at the Government House in Gusau. The event saw the presence of a high-level delegation led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot.
The 18-month project is being implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD). Ambassador Mignot was accompanied by IOM's Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, and the Head of Sub Africa for IOM, Jean Nahesi Katumbakana.
Target Beneficiaries and Project Scope
This intervention is designed to directly support over 95,000 beneficiaries across ten local government areas. The focus will be on communities in eight LGAs in Katsina State and two in Zamfara State. The beneficiaries include:
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
- Returnees to their communities
- Host communities absorbing displaced populations
- Women and youth groups
Governor Lawal emphasised that the project goes beyond policy documents, directly addressing the daily realities faced by the people. He stated it reflects a shared commitment to forging a more stable, united, and resilient society.
A Strategic Approach to Lasting Peace
In his remarks, Governor Lawal outlined his administration's comprehensive strategy against insecurity. He noted that sustainable peace requires confronting underlying issues like exclusion, economic hardship, weak institutions, and broken community trust.
"This intervention complements the Zamfara State Government’s efforts to strengthen local peace, revitalise livelihoods for youth and women, improve coordination across ministries and agencies, and support community dialogue mechanisms," the Governor explained.
He further stressed the interconnectedness of security, development, and good governance, asserting that they must advance together. The Governor expressed profound gratitude to the European Union for its sustained partnership and commended the implementing partners for their expertise.
For his part, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot praised Governor Lawal's dedication and support for development partners working towards a better Zamfara State.
The CPCRR project builds upon earlier EU-supported peace and reconciliation efforts in the region, marking a continued international commitment to stabilising Northwest Nigeria.
