By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – The inadequacies of the existing Early Warning and Early Response, EWER systems to effectively report and respond to early warning signs have contributed to the escalation of violence in communities in Plateau State, stakeholders mentioned.

To reverse the trend, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, HD, under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria, SPRING project, supported by the United Kingdom International Development launched a pilot project to strengthen the EWER systems not just in the State but across the North Central region.

In a remark during a two-day State-Level stakeholders consultations towards the development of EWER strategy and Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs held in Jos on Tuesday and Wednesday, Chris Agoha, Country Director, HD explained that the four-year peacebuilding programme aims to support a more stable and peaceful Nigeria, with citizens experiencing reduced violence and increased resilience to the changing climate.

“Over the past two weeks, HD has held consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, across the three senatorial zones in Plateau State, including the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Nigeria Security Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Local Government Councils, Traditional and Religious Leaders, Community Stakeholders, and Non-State actors.

“The objective is to collaboratively develop a Response Strategy and SoPs through stakeholder consultations, ensuring inclusivity, alignment, and commitment to strengthening the EWER systems in Plateau State. At the end of the consultations, we expect to reach a consensus on priority challenges and opportunities for effective EWER systems in Plateau State.

“In the ever-evolving landscape of global threats, the need for swift and effective response mechanisms is paramount. At its core, early warning and early response systems are intended to identify and analyse conflict trends, alert to conflict risk, inform decision-making and initiate timely responses to prevent violent conflict. In addition, promoting local ownership and community-based reporting will empower
communities to take an active role in conflict prevention and resolution.”

While urging participants and stakeholders to deploy result-oriented mind in the discussions to produce an effective and inclusive EWER strategy that is jointly owned and can be a veritable tool for mitigating violence on the Plateau and in the North Central Region, he added, “Integrating tactical and strategic early warning approaches and sharing data among stakeholders will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the EWER system. Thus, addressing conflicts before they manifest has become crucial to minimize the ramifications and foster sustainable development.

“The importance of EWER cannot be overemphasized. Conflict interventions always become costlier than dealing with crises in terms of human life, productivity, and resources. The nature of warfare is mutating, with new security pressures and increasingly sophisticated technologies. Conflict EWER will need to adapt to these changing dynamics to address contemporary security challenges.”

Discussing various topics including overcoming inter-Agency coordination and collaboration hurdles, promoting community engagement and ownership, resource mobilization for full implementation of the Plateau EWER strategy and SOPs, policy frameworks and legislation, panellists and participants exchanged ideas, asked questions, and got insights into the strategy which is meant to be owned by the people to solve diverse challenges in society.

Participants for the event were drawn from the various State and Nonstate sectors as discussants ranged from security personnel, traditional institutions, Plateau indigenous groups, the State House of Assembly, the ALGON, the private sector, and NGOs, among others.