KatsinaTimes
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, on Friday launched the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme, a United Kingdom–funded initiative aimed at promoting peacebuilding, security and climate resilience across the state.
The four-year programme, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by PrioritiseTech and its partners, was unveiled in Katsina with the participation of government officials, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and community representatives.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda described the programme as a strategic intervention designed to consolidate peace, strengthen social cohesion and address the root causes of conflict in the North-West.
He said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of the United Kingdom and Nigerian governments to peace, security, climate action and inclusive development, stressing that sustainable peace must be community-driven and inclusive.
The governor noted that challenges such as banditry, farmer–herder conflicts, kidnapping and climate-induced pressures, including desertification and shrinking natural resources, have continued to affect livelihoods, economic growth and social harmony in Katsina State.
According to him, peace, security and climate resilience are closely linked and must be addressed together to achieve long-term stability and development.
Governor Radda highlighted his administration’s kinetic and non-kinetic security measures, including community dialogue and peacebuilding initiatives. He cited the establishment of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs as key steps that have strengthened intelligence gathering, early warning systems, conflict resolution and rapid response to rural insecurity.
He disclosed that Katsina State’s commitment to climate governance has earned national recognition, with the state ranking second in the 2025 Sub-National Climate Governance Assessment, adding that the SPRiNG Programme would further strengthen the state’s capacity in climate action, peace dialogue and livelihood support.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, involving youths, women, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and community-based groups to ensure sustainability and long-term impact of development interventions.
He also assured the UK Government, the FCDO and implementing partners of the state’s cooperation through the Katsina State Development Management Board to ensure effective coordination and measurable outcomes.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board, Dr. Mustapha Shehu, said the SPRiNG partnership aims to build community capacity to understand, own and sustain peace while respecting religious, cultural and socio-economic diversity.
He explained that traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youths are being trained in dialogue, mediation, anger management and conflict resolution to promote grassroots peacebuilding and reduce reliance on force.
Dr. Shehu commended Governor Radda for creating an enabling environment for peacebuilding, climate action and inclusive development, and urged partners to deepen community participation to sustain the gains beyond the project cycle.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, represented by Engr. Bello Lawal Yandaki, described the SPRiNG interventions as timely and strategic.
He said the capacity-building support provided to the ministry’s management and staff, as well as the training of Community Peace and Reconciliation Committees, would strengthen institutional effectiveness and grassroots peace efforts across Katsina State.
