UNDP: Our Regional Stabilization Facility Has Impacted 7.2m Nigerians in North-east
Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has commended the governments of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States for their exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to stabilization efforts under its Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF) which has positively impacted over 7.2 million persons in the states.
UNDP Team Lead for Governance, Peace, and Security, Mr. Matthew Alao, who noted this during the opening ceremony of a 10-day training session for law enforcement officers in Jos, observed that the effective leadership in these states has been instrumental in advancing recovery initiatives, rebuilding essential infrastructure, and restoring hope to communities devastated by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Alao noted that the RSF has helped these states in implementing projects designed to enhance safety, improve access to justice, and reconstruct vital public structures, including police stations, barracks, and courts.
Represented by the UNDP Public Security Coordination Specialist Usman Babangida, Alao underscored that the success of the RSF is fundamentally reliant on government ownership and commitment.
He said: “So far, under the Regional Stabilization Facility, we have impacted over 7.2 million persons across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. This has been achieved through improved safety and security, access to justice, and critical infrastructure rehabilitation.
“Stabilization must be government-driven. The governors of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe have shown exceptional commitment and ownership, leading the stabilization process with great dedication.”
The ongoing training program in Jos, with the theme ‘Strengthening Ethical Policing and Mental Resilience’, is to equip over 120 officers from various law enforcement agencies with skills in ethical practices, gender sensitivity, and mental health support.
Usman highlighted the importance of addressing psychological challenges faced by officers in conflict-affected areas, noting that “Law enforcement officers are often at the frontline of trauma in communities. Without mental resilience, it becomes difficult to provide accountable and ethical service. Innovative methods, including role-playing and drama, are being used to help participants to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
He said: “These approaches enable officers to simulate real-life scenarios, preparing them to navigate the complexities of their work.”
Usman reiterated that the focus on mental health aligns with the lessons learned from previous phases of the RSF, which trained over 1,200 officers. “One of the key takeaways from past engagements is that mental health is a critical component of ethical law enforcement. We cannot demand accountability without addressing the emotional and psychological challenges officers face daily.”
Unit Coordinator of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Center in Shere Hills, Jos, Abdulmumuni Maimako, commended the collaboration between the UNDP and the center, describing the training as a way of preparing the security personnel to be physically and mentally fit for their duties.
He said: “This initiative addresses the emotional and psychological challenges officers face, equipping them to better serve their communities.”
In their goodwill messages, Francis Okunwe of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nanput Gambo, representing the Immigration Service expressed gratitude for the UNDP’s efforts at training their personnel.
They acknowledged the critical role such programs play in enhancing security and building community resilience, not only in the Northeast but across other regions grappling with similar challenges.
The training, which brought together officers from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, Civil Defence, and Nigerian Immigration Service featured sessions on ethical practices, gender sensitivity, and human rights, as well as mental health and psychosocial support.
