In a renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria?s response to violent extremism, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has declared open a pre-review workshop for the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Idayat Hassan, the NSA emphasized the urgency of revisiting Nigeria?s 2017 National Action Plan to adapt to the evolving landscape of extremist threats.

?Extremist groups continue to evolve, exploiting new technologies and online platforms. Our strategies must be proactive, dynamic, and aligned with both national priorities and global standards,? Ribadu stated.

He highlighted the importance of community resilience, digital literacy, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, and strategic communication as critical components in the country?s counter-extremism strategy.

The NSA also called for improved inter-agency collaboration and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and ensure accountability.

Ribadu commended the inclusive and data-driven approach taken for the policy review, which brings together stakeholders from across government, civil society, academia, religious institutions, and international partners.

He applauded the efforts of Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), and international organizations such as Hedayah International for their contributions.

In his welcome address, Major General Laka reaffirmed the nation?s commitment to a collaborative approach in combating extremism.

?This review is both timely and strategic. The threats we face today are different from those of the past, and we must remain responsive and adaptable,? he noted.

The workshop was attended by key international partners, including Ms. Anna Sherburn, Deputy Executive Director of Hedayah, and Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS. Their presence underscores the strong global partnership supporting Nigeria?s counter-terrorism efforts.

Participants are expected to evaluate the 2017 framework, identify gaps, and propose forward-looking strategies to ensure that Nigeria remains resilient in the face of extremist threats. (The Guardian)

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