ABUJA (Interior Ministry’ Report)- Nigeria has expressed willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to develop a National Peace Architecture for the resolution of conflicts in the country.
The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, stated this in Abuja when he received the United Nations Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, in his office recently.
He noted that Nigeria would step up efforts in providing security and social amenities to returning refugees, adding that the country would also explore means, other than force, to counter terrorism in the country.
The Minister further stated that Government would address the root causes of the crises bedeviling the country, which include ecological challenges, effects of climate change, poverty, unemployment and violent extremism.
Gen. Dambazau expressed appreciation for the effort of the UN and other international organisations in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, management of refugee challenges, and related issues.
Earlier, the United Nations Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, urged the government to examine the fundamental causes of the crises in the country, in order to provide a comprehensive and lasting solution.
While commending Nigeria for signing the tripartite agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Cameroon on safe and voluntary return of refugees, he lamented that over 12, 000 returnees from Cameroon have returned to areas that lack basic amenities. He however noted the efforts of government to address the problem.
The UN Representative, who described the Ministry of Interior as a critical partner in its work in Nigeria, commended Nigeria on its effort in the handling of violent extremism in the country and expressed the willingness of the UN to partner with Nigeria in developing a National Peace Architecture focused on conflict resolution.
In a vote of thanks, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Rufa’i Attahiru, thanked the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, for the visit and expressed the willingness of the Ministry to cooperate with all the United Nations agencies in the country.
