Nigeria Counter-Extremism efforts gain momentum as NSA initiates a policy review workshop, backed by a €300 million EU grant to combat violent extremism

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has launched a pre-review workshop for Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.

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This initiative coincides with the European Union’s reaffirmation of its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counter-extremism efforts, demonstrated through a €300 million grant aimed at addressing the root causes of terrorism in the North-East and North-West regions.

Ribadu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Idayat Hassan, emphasised the urgent need to revise 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 critical importance of community resilience, digital literacy, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, and strategic communication in Nigeria’s counter-extremism strategy.

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gaulter Mignot, spoke at the workshop, organised under the Strengthening Resilience to Violent Extremism (STRIVE) Global Programme, funded by the EU and implemented by Hedayah, an international centre for countering violent extremism. Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s strong partnership with Nigeria.

He noted that both Nigeria and the EU are members of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF), and the collaboration between member states and GCTF-affiliated organisations, like Hedayah, exemplified the importance of coordinated efforts to tackle violent extremism and its underlying drivers.

Mignot acknowledged the devastating impact of the 15-year conflict in Nigeria’s North-East on the Lake Chad Basin region, citing massive loss of life and population displacement.

While recognising the Nigerian government’s progress in addressing terrorism both nationally and regionally, he stressed the necessity for continued work and investment.

He applauded the initiative to review and update existing strategies and policies, describing it as crucial in confronting the complex phenomenon of violent extremism.

The €300 million grant from the EU targets the root causes of terrorism, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions of Nigeria.