Nigeria, UN Agencies Launch SD3R Project for North East

Nigeria, UN Agencies Launch SD3R Project for North East

Borno State Gov. Prof. Babagana Zulum (3rd Left); EU Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Samuela Isopi (4th Left), National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (5th Left), National Coordinator, NCTC, Retired Rear Admiral YEM Musa, PhD (right) and other dignitaries, while launching SD3R Project in Abuja

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and a consortium of United Nations agencies, has launched a fresh initiative titled, EU Support for Disengagement, Review, Reintegration and Reconciliation of Persons Formerly Associated with NSAGs in the North East Nigeria (SD3R) on 14 March, 2024 in Abuja.

National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (8th Right), National Coordinator, NCTC-ONSA, Retired Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa, PhD (5th right); Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State (8th Left); Representatives of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Ambassadors of Various Countries and other High level Dignitaries in a group photograph after the launch of SD3R Project for North East Nigeria in Abuja, on Thursday, March 14, 2024
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (8th Right), National Coordinator, NCTC-ONSA, Retired Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa, PhD (5th right); Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State (8th Left); Representatives of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Ambassadors of Various Countries and other High level Dignitaries in a group photograph after the launch of SD3R Project for North East Nigeria in Abuja, on Thursday, March 14, 2024

The joint initiative is to foster social cohesion, reduce stigmatisation, promote tolerance, and create space for acceptance as well as belonging within targeted communities in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu while addressing dignitaries at the launch of SD3R Project in Abuja
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu while addressing dignitaries at the launch of SD3R Project in Abuja

While launching the Initiative, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noted that the SD3R Project was conceived to promote peace and stability in the North-East Nigeria through community-driven reintegration and reconciliation process for persons formally associated with Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs). He says, “The project also strives to support authorities in effectively investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of terrorism offences in the north east, ensuring meaningful accountability and redress for serious crimes.”

NSA (left) and the National Coordinator, NCTC after the launch of SD3R Project
NSA (left) and the National Coordinator, NCTC after the launch of SD3R Project

The NSA added that ONSA through the NCTC would continue to coordinate the project in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PF-NAP for PCVE), 2017, as well as other relevant policy documents.

A Cross Section of High Level Dignitaries at the launch of SD3R Project in Abuja
Section of High Level Dignitaries at the launch of SD3R Project in Abuja

 In her remarks, the EU Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, said healing and reconciliation can be achieved in the sub-region if all work together, leveraging on collective expertise. “This is why we are happy to continue supporting this process in the hope that it will help rebuild broken bridges within families and communities,” she added.

EU Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, giving her remarks
EU Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, while giving her remarks

According to her, the Project was part of  the broader EU support to the Lake Chad region which amounts to 2.5 Billion Euros (€2.5 Billion) 
since 2014, stressing that its implementation would leverage on the expertise and experience of the four UN agencies involved:
International Organisation for Migration (IOM) which is the lead agency, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) which have been working in the northeast of Nigeria for several years.

A cross section of dignitaries at the event
A cross section of dignitaries at the event

Dignitaries at the ceremony include, Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and his Adamawa State Counterpart, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri was represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehab, Reintegration and Humanitarian Services, while the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni was represented by the Executive Secretary,  Yobe State Emergency Management Agency,  Dr. Goje Mohammed. Others include Ambassadors of the EU Countries in Nigeria, as well as the UN Nigeria Resident Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed M. Malick Fall; representatives of the UN agencies consortium, implementing the project. There were also representatives of Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, speaking at the event
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, speaking at the event
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