Abbas announces new House Standing C’ttee on Peace-building, Social Cohesion

Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday, announced a new Standing Committee on Peace-building and Social Cohesion to promote non-kinetic strategies against insecurity.

Abbas made the announcement at the opening of a two-day workshop on “Non-Kinetic Strategies to Combat Insecurity and Terrorism in Nigeria”, organised for security-based committees in Abuja.

He said that non-kinetic strategies, such as diplomatic dialogue, economic empowerment, psychological interventions and community-based initiatives, offered a broad and practical framework for creating sustainable peace.

According to him, the measures focus on the social, economic and political conditions that drive insecurity.

The speaker said that Rwanda had successfully implemented community-based reconciliation programmes to heal societal divisions, while Kenya’s economic initiatives had been instrumental to reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies.

He said that Nigeria had been grappling with terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity for many years.

Abbas stated that the response had relied heavily on the use of force, with significant resources devoted to military operations.

He said that over the last two decades, billions of dollars had been spent on defence and security.

The speaker recalled that between 2008 and 2018, about $16 billion was allocated to defence, representing more than 10 per cent of the federal budget over that period.

He said that in 2020, the total budget for security accounted for 16.8 per cent of the total budget of $27.9 billion.

Abbas also said that in 2024, N3.25 trillion was allocated to the defence and security sector, representing 12 per cent of the total national budget.

“These figures highlight the significant financial commitment to security, but they also underscore the need to consider more efficient and cost-effective approaches.

“Resources often diverted to combat insecurity could be more prudently invested in critical sectors, such as education, healthcare and infrastructure, which are fundamental to national well-being.

“By prioritising friendly, non-kinetic measures, we can achieve sustainable security solutions while reducing the economic strain and ensuring that these vital sectors receive the attention they deserve.

“A balanced strategy that addresses both immediate threats and long-term causes is essential for building a secure and stable society.

“Recognising the significance of non-kinetic strategies, I am excited to announce the formation of a Standing Committee on Peace-building and Social Cohesion within the House of Representatives.

“This committee will develop policies and legislative frameworks to foster peace and stability. Notably, this is the first committee of its kind in Nigeria and potentially in Africa,” he said.

Earlier, Ms Majrija Peran, the Resident Representative of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a German pro-democracy agency, said that the legislature plays a pivotal role in advancing non-kinetic approaches to tackling insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria.

She said that as representatives of the people, legislators had critical roles in shaping policies and allocating resources to support these strategies.

“It includes passing laws that promote economic development, education and good governance as well as ensuring that adequate funding is allocated to these areas.

“Legislators also have a responsibility to hold the executive accountable and ensure that security strategies are implemented effectively and transparently.

“Advancing non-kinetic approaches to tackling insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria is not only relevant but essential for creating a secure and stable nation.

“By addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting sustainable development, the legislators can play their part in building a future where peace, security and economic development are the norm, not the exception.

“The legislature has a crucial role to play in this endeavour, and it is its collective responsibility to ensure that these strategies are prioritised and effectively implemented,” she said.