By ABAH ADAH, Abuja
A two-day validation meeting/workshop on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, PCVE, Guidelines and Strategic Communication Plan organised by Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) began in Abuja on Thursday.
Declaring the event open, the National Coordinator, NCTC, Major General Adamu G. Laka declared that violent extremism remains one of the most complex security challenges the country is facing.
Appreciating participants and, in particular, the National Security Adviser, NSA,, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for what he described as his continued support for their efforts in PCVE in Nigeria”, General Laka explained, “Today’s gathering highlights our unified determination to enhance the Nation’s capacity to counter violent extremism and to ensure the seamless implementation of PCVE strategies at every level of governance.
“As you are all aware, violent extremism remains one of the most complex security challenges of our time. It threatens our national security and the very fabric of our communities, institutions, and social cohesion.
“In response to this, Federal Government of Nigeria developed the Policy Framework and National Action Plan (PF-NAP) for PCVE to serve as a guiding strategy for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in tackling radicalization and violent extremism in Nigeria.
“However, a policy is only as effective as its implementation, and that is why we are gathered here today, to ensure that we take deliberate and strategic steps toward localizing and operationalising this framework.”
Speaking further, he said, “Over the course of these 2 days, we will focus on two critical components that are central to the success of PCVE efforts in Nigeria.
“Firstly, the domestication and localisation of the PF-NAP for PCVE. This will be done through exploring strategies to integrate PCVE principles into the operational frameworks of ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as at the state and local government levels. We will also identify existing gaps, challenges, and opportunities for institutionalising PCVE efforts across various sectors.
“Secondly, the validation of the PCVE Guidelines and Strategic Communication Plan. For this, we will conduct a thorough review of the draft PCVE Guidelines to ensure they align with national priorities, security realities, and international best practices.
“Furthermore, we will validate the draft Strategic Communication Plan, taking cognizance, that effective messaging is crucial in countering extremist narratives, fostering positive community engagement, and ensuring that our responses remain proactive, and evidence based.”
Stressing the imperative of all stakeholders joining hands in active participation and critical insights for expert recommendations towards combating violent Extremism effectively, Maj-Gen. Laka urged participant to bear in mind that PCVE is not solely a security issue but also a governance, development, and social cohesion issue.
“Hence, it requires a multi-faceted, multi-stakeholder, and multi-dimensional approach. Our success depends on the coordination of efforts, synergy of policies, and harmonization of strategies at all levels.
“At the end of this workshop, we expect to have a clear roadmap for the localisation of the policy framework, validated PCVE Guidelines, and an endorsed Strategic Communication Plan, all of which will serve as blueprints for future implementation,” he noted.