Earlier today, I attended the Northwest Regional Conference on Women, Peace and Security, organized by Global Rights and Partners West Africa Nigeria, with the theme: “Strengthening Inclusive Peacebuilding and Access to Justice in Northwest Nigeria: Evidence, Impact, and Lessons from Practice.”
In recognition of my longstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to
Promoting women’s rights and protecting vulnerable communities, I was invited to deliver a special remark at the conference
In my remarks, I commended the organizers and partners for convening a timely and important platform focused on inclusive peacebuilding and access to justice.
I noted that the conference’s theme speaks directly to the realities facing our communities. Across the Northwest and indeed the country, we are confronted with complex security challenges that require not only military responses but also strong community engagement, social cohesion, and access to justice mechanisms that work for all, especially women and vulnerable groups.
I highlighted that under the leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Government has taken deliberate steps to promote peace and security, including the launch of the Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to positioning women as key actors in peacebuilding and nation-building through participation, protection, and prevention.
I also shared my office’s work advancing community-based approaches to peacebuilding and governance. Through structured stakeholder engagements, community dialogues, and the convening of platforms such as the Citizens’ Assembly, we have worked to amplify local voices in identifying security challenges and proposing practical, people-centered solutions. Special attention has been given to ensuring the participation of women, youth, and traditional and religious leaders in these processes.
In addition, I emphasized that our National Stakeholders Engagement Framework, when implemented, will guide how we engage different stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, rebuild trust, and ensure that citizens’ perspectives inform projects and policies; bridging the gap between communities and the federal government.
I reaffirmed that women play a critical role in peacebuilding and social cohesion, not only as victims of conflict, but as essential actors in early warning, mediation, and community resilience. Their inclusion in decision-making processes is therefore not optional; it is fundamental to sustainable peace.
I further urged our leaders and institutions to move away from harmful cultural practices that weaponise poverty and expose women and girls to sexual and gender-based violence. Ending these practices is essential to building safer, more just, and more resilient communities.
I expressed my hope that the outcomes of the conference will translate into concrete actions that advance peace, justice, and development, not just in the Northwest, but across all regions in Nigeria.