The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a new phase of cooperation in support of peace operations in Nigeria.

The initiative, which is a collaboration with the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies and the National Defence College (CSRS/NDC), is aimed at improving peacebuilding in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch, the Commandant of the College, Rear Adm. Mackson Kadiri, said that funding from Japan would help in consolidating Nigeria’s effort at building peace through peace support operations globally.

He said that this phase of the collaboration was taking place during a delicate period in global history when, despite the scourge of the coronavirus pandemic, conflicts had abated.

He said that there was, therefore, the need for greater and more dynamic capacity building of peacekeepers to manage these conflicts.

The project titled,  “Strengthening National and Regional Capacities for Peace Support Operations (PSOs)”, will focus on enhancing capacity to sponsor peace support operations courses on protection of civilians.

The Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba, commended the initiative, saying it came at a time when Nigeria and other West African countries were facing security challenges.

Represented by Ms. Elizabeth Egharevba, the Director, International Cooperation, the minister said the ministry, as the coordinating agency,  would continue to ensure the implementation of projects and programmes that would impact positively on the socio-economic development of our country.

The Acting UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Lealem Dinku, said that Africa and Nigeria included, could not attain sustainable development and the 2030 agenda without peace and stability.

“The strategic partnership between UNDP and Government of Japan and CSRS/NDC through the provision of training and strengthening of capacities will be significant in the achievement of SDG 16 and the entire spectrum of peace operations – from conflict prevention to conflict management and post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery,” he said.

He expressed appreciation for the longstanding support that the government of Japan had been providing to UNDP programme initiatives in Nigeria.

The Newsmen reports that since 2009, UNDP has been supporting peace operations in Nigeria through funding assistance from the Government of Japan.

The assistance was first extended to the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, National Defence College and later to the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre.