NSCDC resolves 12,000 community disputes in 2016 ―UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has resolved 12,000 community level disputes in 2016 as part of its conflict prevention strategy.

Mr Mandisa Mashologu, UNDP Country Director, disclosed this on‎ Tuesday at a workshop on “Conflict prevention, Peace Building and Alternative Dispute Resolution’’ for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria for NSCDC commandants.

Represented by Dr Takwa Zebulon, Peace and Development Advisor to the Country Director, Mashologu stressed the need for peace and conflict prevention in Nigeria.

“Let me acknowledge the excellent work that NSCDC is doing in addressing community-level disputes and grievances.

“In 2016, no less than 12,000 formally registered disputes were settled by the NSCDC. That almost translates to resolving one dispute in each state every single day,” he said.

Mashologu called for the building of capacity of stakeholders like the NSCDC to mediate in disputes, alternative solutions and prevention of conflicts from escalating, especially in remote areas of Nigeria.

The UNDP country representative said that the workshop was timely in view of the myriad of challenges to peace and security in the country.

He said that the organisation would continue to work with key stakeholders such as the NSCDC to mitigate violent conflicts and build sustainable peace and stability at all levels of governance.
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Mashologu said that the workshop was in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 that seeks to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”.

“Nigeria needs peace to harness her abundant potentials for the good of her people and for her to play a critical leadership role in Africa and the world,” he said.

Earlier, the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Mr Abdullahi Muhammadu, expressed optimism that the workshop would enhance the capacity of the NSCDC officials to professionally manage conflicts.

Muhammadu charged officers and men of the Corps to be more proactive in peace building and conflict prevention.

The three-day workshop organised by the NSCDC, UNDP and the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) is meant to strengthen the capacity of NSCDC officials in peace and conflict prevention.