In a significant move to bolster women, peace, and security in Nigeria, the Nigerian Police Force, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have committed to commence a review of the implementation of the current State Action Plans (SAPs) for Peace and Security as plans are underway for the second phase of revision and implementation of State Action Plans (SAPs) in Borno and Yobe States.
The State Action Plans (SAPs) are adaptations of the National Action Plan, which aims to implement the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security through an articulated strategy document called action plan.
The NAP seeks to increase the number of women involved in peace and security matters at the federal, state, local or community levels. The five objectives include prevention and disaster preparedness; participation and representation; protection and prosecution; crisis management, early recovery, and post-conflict reconstruction; and partnerships, coordination, and management.
In a visit to the agencies, the UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, noted that the SAPs, originally developed and launched in 2014, have been pivotal in promoting peace and security in these regions.
However, widespread concern has been expressed regarding the weak implementation of these plans. Emerging security challenges and a growing demand for more robust policy documents have highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the existing SAPs.
Eyong, who was represented by the UN Women Programme Coordinator WPS, Peter Mancha, reaffirmed UN Women’s goal to integrate new peace and security issues and to establish and strengthen coordination mechanisms that will enhance the implementation, monitoring, and reporting processes.
She added that UN Women is committed to supporting the governments of Borno and Yobe states in this endeavour through the State Ministries of Women Affairs under the framework of the “Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project in Nigeria (Phase II).” This initiative is supported by the Government of Germany and aims to ensure that the updated SAPs are more effective and responsive to the current security landscape.
The project also fosters local ownership and coordination among state governments and various stakeholders, ensuring that the SAPs’ implementation is comprehensive and sustainable. Efforts will be made to establish and reinforce mechanisms that enhance the monitoring and reporting of these plans.
The Commandant of the Borno Command NSCDC, Faruk Musa Boyi, reiterated his team’s readiness to collaborate with UN Women and other stakeholders. “Our command is fully committed to supporting women, peace, and security initiatives in Borno State. The fight against gender-based violence is a top priority, and we are ready to work hand-in-hand with UN Women to ensure the protection and safety of women and girls in our communities,” he stated.
In view of this collaborative effort, Yobe State has committed to conducting a review workshop on 30 May 2024. This workshop will be a pivotal step in revising the SAPs, ensuring that they address current challenges and effectively promote peace and security within the state.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in addressing the complex issues of women, peace, and security in Borno and Yobe states.
The commitment of these MDAs to support the review and enhancement of the SAPs marks a unified approach to tackling the challenges faced by women in conflict-affected regions. With the backing of international partners and local stakeholders, Borno and Yobe states are poised to make substantial progress in promoting inclusive conflict resolution and peacebuilding for sustainable peace and security.
