EU Ambassadors, NSA, Kano Govt Advocate Whole-of-Society Approach to Tackling Insecurity in Northern Nigeria

A high-level delegation of European Union ambassadors, Nigerian security officials, academics, and government representatives on Monday converged at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), to chart new pathways for addressing insecurity and promoting sustainable development across Northern Nigeria.

The event, themed “Situation Analysis and Key Drivers of Conflict in Northern Nigeria and a Whole-of-Society Approach to Addressing Conflict,” brought together 10 European Union ambassadors, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Kano State Government, scholars, civil society actors, and development partners.

Welcoming participants, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, described the visit as a reflection of the strong partnership between Nigeria and the European Union. He noted that BUK, established in 1960 and granted university status in 1977, has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading centres of learning and research, currently ranked among the country’s top universities.

According to him, the institution remains committed to generating knowledge and research capable of addressing pressing societal challenges, particularly those affecting Northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said insecurity remains one of the major challenges confronting Northern Nigeria and emphasized the need for collective action involving governments, communities, educational institutions, traditional leaders, and development partners.

Mignot highlighted the EU’s longstanding partnership with Nigeria in areas such as education, governance, security, digital innovation, climate-smart agriculture, healthcare, and youth development.

He disclosed that the EU is implementing projects worth hundreds of millions of euros across Nigeria, with increased attention on Northern Nigeria, particularly the North-West region.

Representing Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Musa Shanono, stressed that peace and stability can only be achieved through collaboration among governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youth groups, academia, and civil society organizations.

Also speaking, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Director of State Liaison at National Security Advisor ONSA, Lami Chinade, said military operations alone cannot deliver lasting peace. He advocated stronger non-kinetic measures, including education, community engagement, youth empowerment, dialogue, and social inclusion.

The stakeholders agreed that sustainable peace in Northern Nigeria requires a coordinated, community-driven approach capable of addressing the root causes of conflict while strengthening resilience and social cohesion across affected communities.