Nigeria's ONSA And Hedayah Convene Workshop To Strengthen Counter-Extremism Strategies

Nigeria's Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is hosting a significant four-day workshop in Abuja. This event, organised with Hedayah – The International Centre of Excellence for Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism, aims to reassess Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE). Scheduled from 7th to 10th April 2025, it gathers over 170 participants from various sectors.

The workshop represents a crucial step in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against violent extremism. With regional instability on the rise, an updated and inclusive national strategy is essential. The gathering includes representatives from government, civil society, religious groups, academia, and international partners. This diverse participation underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing these challenges.

Anna Sherburn, Deputy Executive Director of Hedayah, highlighted the organisation’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s P/CVE initiatives. "Our purpose is to see a global reduction in extremism and violent extremism. Eight years after we first supported Nigeria’s 2017 National Action Plan, Hedayah is proud to once again assist in guiding this review process," she said. She also acknowledged the contributions of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and key donors like the European Union.

Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, expressed the European Union's commitment to Nigeria's security efforts. "The EU is proud to be a longstanding partner in Nigeria’s P/CVE efforts. Let us move forward together with confidence in our shared vision for peace and stability." His remarks emphasised the EU's support through its investment in the Strengthening Resilience to Violent Extremism (STRIVE) Global Programme.

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, represented by Hajia Idayat Hassan, stressed the necessity of revisiting Nigeria's strategies against violent extremism. "Nigeria, like many nations, has faced the devastating consequences of violent extremism. A refreshed and responsive strategy is needed now more than ever," she stated. Her comments praised Major General Adamu Garba Laka for his leadership at the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC).

Hedayah plays a pivotal role globally by assisting governments in crafting effective P/CVE policies. Their approach involves providing tailored technical support and capacity building while ensuring strategies are evidence-based and context-sensitive. This comprehensive assistance helps countries develop impactful solutions against extremism.

Commitment to Sustainable Solutions

This workshop highlights Nigeria's dedication to enhancing its P/CVE framework through inclusive dialogue. By fostering discussions among diverse stakeholders, it aims to create sustainable solutions for countering violent extremism effectively. The event serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences that can lead to more robust strategies.

Nigeria's proactive stance in reviewing its national action plan reflects its commitment to addressing violent extremism comprehensively. Through collaboration with international partners like Hedayah and the EU, Nigeria seeks to strengthen its resilience against these threats while promoting peace and stability within its borders.

With inputs from WAM