The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr Joseph Ochogwu, has called on the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to increase investment in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Ochogwu made the call at the 2026 Peace Awards Ceremony organised by the IPCR in collaboration with the Ufuk Dialogue Foundation in Abuja to commemorate the International Day of Peace.
He warned that the cost of preventing conflicts is significantly lower than the financial and human resources required to respond to violence and rebuild affected communities.
According to him, Nigeria needs to move beyond reacting to conflicts after they have escalated and place greater emphasis on prevention, early-warning systems, peace education and other measures capable of addressing the underlying causes of violence.
The IPCR boss also highlighted the importance of youth employment and inclusive development in strengthening peace and stability across the country.
He said sustained investment in peacebuilding would not only help reduce violence but also protect communities, strengthen national development and create an environment where citizens can pursue their livelihoods without fear.
The ceremony brought together peacebuilders, government officials, civil society organisations and other stakeholders working to promote peace and conflict resolution in Nigeria.
Ochogwu’s call comes amid continuing concerns over insecurity and communal conflicts in different parts of the country, with stakeholders increasingly advocating preventive approaches rather than relying solely on security responses.
He urged relevant institutions and stakeholders to make peacebuilding a central component of national development planning and ensure that resources are committed to addressing conflicts before they escalate.
