IOM's Peace Programme in Zamfara Faces Funding Threat

Stakeholders have expressed concerns that the fragile peace in Zamfara State could be compromised by the premature withdrawal of development support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). During the Project Steering Committee meeting for the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) Programme in Abuja, Yahya Zakari, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning representing Governor Dauda Lawal, emphasized the need for sustained international support.

He noted that while the programme has helped nearly 70,000 beneficiaries rebuild livelihoods and strengthen local peace structures, significant challenges remain due to ongoing armed banditry, kidnapping, and climate-related pressures. IOM Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Taha Amr, highlighted the programme's reach and its focus on peacebuilding and resilience.

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, revealed that the EU has invested over €5 million in the CPCRR project, underscoring the importance of continued engagement to consolidate the gains achieved.