The European Union (EU) has launched a new conflict prevention and resilience initiative in Sokoto State aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and supporting communities affected by insecurity, displacement, climate-related challenges and economic hardship.
The initiative, known as RECAP – Resilience, Engagement and Conflict Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection in Sokoto State, was unveiled during an External Stakeholders’ Grant Opening Meeting held in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria.
The 18-month project, funded by the EU with a budget of €4.5 million, will be implemented across 10 Local Government Areas of the state and is expected to directly benefit more than 537,000 residents.
The project is being executed by Action Against Hunger Nigeria, International Alert and Save The Child Initiative in partnership with the Sokoto State Government, local councils, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and community leaders.
Speaking at the launch, Xenia Stoll, Political Officer at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to supporting peace, stability and development in Sokoto State.
She described the initiative as a joint commitment between the European Union and Sokoto State to strengthen conflict prevention, social cohesion and human security in Northwest Nigeria.
According to Stoll, the project is designed to address the root causes of violence, including social exclusion, competition over resources and economic marginalisation, while also enhancing local capacities for peacebuilding and long-term stability.
In his remarks, Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Umar Abubakar, commended the European Union and Action Against Hunger Nigeria for their continued support to the state.
He noted that the project’s emphasis on dialogue, livelihood support, water governance and protection aligns with the state government’s development and peacebuilding agenda.
“The Government of Sokoto State welcomes this important intervention and appreciates the European Union and Action Against Hunger Nigeria for their continued solidarity with our people,” he said.
Gobir added that the state government would provide the necessary institutional backing to ensure the project delivers sustainable benefits to affected communities across the state.
