By Mu’awiya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Network for Good Governance and Transparency (NGGT) Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Peace Units, has announced plans to convene a Northwest Regional Peacebuilding Summit aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in addressing insecurity across Northern Nigeria.
The summit, scheduled for June 29, 2026, is being organised to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Peacekeepers 2026 and to promote coordinated peacebuilding efforts across the Northwest region.
Speaking during a press briefing, the General Secretary of NGGT Nigeria, Ambassador A.G. Idris, said the conference would bring together key stakeholders to deliberate on practical and sustainable measures for tackling the security challenges confronting the region.
He noted that crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and insurgency continue to pose serious threats to peace, stability, and development in the Northwest, stressing that the challenges require collective and strategic responses from governments, security agencies, and other stakeholders.
According to him, the summit will serve as a platform for dialogue, intelligence sharing, policy coordination, and the development of sustainable peacebuilding strategies aimed at enhancing security across the region.
Ambassador Idris added that the event would also honour the sacrifices and contributions of United Nations peacekeepers, as well as Nigerian security personnel, for their efforts in maintaining peace and stability.
As part of the programme, governors of Northwest states will receive Peacebuilding Awards in recognition of their contributions to improving security and promoting peaceful coexistence.
He explained that Katsina State would be recognised for its community surveillance and grassroots intelligence initiatives, while Kano State would be honoured for sustaining economic stability and social harmony.
Similarly, Kaduna State, Zamfara State, Sokoto State, and Kebbi State are expected to be recognised for their commitment and resilience in ongoing peace restoration efforts.
The organisation also called on civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, security agencies, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and intelligence sharing in support of sustainable peace and security across the country.
The summit is expected to be chaired by Dr. James Abiodun Faleke.
Expected participants include the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, Barau I. Jibrin, Abbas Tajudeen, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Matthew Hassan Kukah, among other prominent stakeholders.
