British High Commission has expressed optimism that the 2nd National Stability Dialogue (NSD) will help identify strategies that can address diverse drivers of insecurity in Nigeria.
The High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, noted this in Abuja at the 2nd National Stability Dialogue (NSD) organised by International Alert, Nigeria in collaboration with the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience- OSPRE (National Early Warning Centre of the Vice President) and National Orientation Agency (NOA).
He said the NSD will also bring opportunities to network, bring connections and help bring Nigeria’s broadest communities further together .
He further hoped that the national dialogue will bring better civil military, government and non government partnerships to develop more effective strategies .
In his words ” we are gathered here collectively representing people working on common endeavor which is security and more peaceful and stable future in Nigeria.
“We are committed to work in partnership and support your efforts. We already have a long partnership in security, trade and investment amongst others . We have worked together on improving policing human rights , promoting women and others .
“We have supported Nigeria’ s leading efforts to stabilise lake chad basement and to deal with insecurity in the country but we have opportunities to build further on these partnerships particularly with the renewed hope of the new government to address regional security, stability and democracy,” he said.
Also, the Country Director, International Alert, Nigeria, Paul Nyulaku – Bemshima, explained that all the very important views in the dialogue will be put together to some kind of strategic guidance and shared with decision makers, policy makers across peace stability and security institutions in Nigeria.
He said there will be an advocacy strategy to ensure that most of the priority that we set have a strategy for ensuring that it is implemented.
He said “This is the beginning of a sustainable process that will take us to where changes will happen from these conversations. We are happy to partner with Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience- OSPRE (National Early Warning Centre of the Vice President) and National Orientation Agency (NOA) with support with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
He further urged on the need to have a common strategy that helps us to take things forward adding that we need to recognise that the non-kinetic approaches which focuses on human securities and well being of the population.
Also, the Director General, OSPRE, Mr Chris Ngwodo, in his goodwill message, assured that they are available to help, anticipate and prevent challenges before it becomes a full blown crisis in the country.
