In a proactive move to address the escalating challenges of insecurity and banditry in the Northwest region of Nigeria, the Katsina state government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), has announced plans to host a crucial peace and security summit in Katsina.
Abdullahi Garba Faskari, the Secretary to the Government of Katsina State, made this announcement during the inauguration of a joint planning committee tasked with organizing the summit on behalf of the state governor. The committee, consisting of 14 members, will be led by Faskari himself and includes key officials such as the Head of the Civil Service of the State, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, the Commissioner of Information and Culture, the Attorney-General of the state, and a representative from UNDP, among others.
The theme of the summit has been revealed as “Security Livelihood, Building Resilience and Promoting Peace and Security: Addressing the Nexus of Banditry, Extremism, and Climate Change in North-West Nigeria.” This theme reflects the comprehensive approach that will be taken to tackle the interconnected issues affecting the region, including banditry, extremism, and the impact of climate change on security dynamics.
The Northwest geopolitical zone, comprising seven states including Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Jigawa, has been grappling with increasing insecurity and frequent banditry attacks in recent times.
The forthcoming summit aims to bring together stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to deliberate on strategic interventions and collaborative efforts needed to restore peace, enhance livelihoods, build resilience, and promote security in the region.
The summit’s agenda will include discussions on innovative security strategies, community engagement initiatives, socio-economic development interventions, and climate resilience measures.
It is expected that the outcomes of the summit will inform policy decisions and action plans to address the complex security challenges facing the Northwest region of Nigeria.
As preparations for the summit gain momentum, stakeholders and residents across the Northwest region are looking forward to this crucial gathering, hoping that it will pave the way for sustainable peace and development in the area.