By Sharon Akuboh
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has applauded the Government of the United Kingdom for reaffirming its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, describing the renewed partnership as a significant milestone in promoting peacebuilding, gender inclusion, and sustainable national development.
The commendation followed high-level discussions at the Nigeria–United Kingdom Defence and Security Forum, where the UK Government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), reiterated its support for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, a landmark global framework that promotes the active participation of women in peace and security processes.
The UK also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the role of women in conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding, stabilization efforts, and post-conflict recovery across Nigeria.
The Ministry acknowledged the impact of the UK’s Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) Programme, which has continued to provide strategic support for initiatives that promote inclusive peace, strengthen institutions, and empower women as vital stakeholders in building resilient communities.
Speaking on the renewed partnership, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, described the UK’s commitment as a welcome boost to Nigeria’s efforts to fully implement the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
According to the Minister, the implementation of UNSCR 1325 remains central to ensuring that women are not merely protected during conflicts but are recognized as leaders, negotiators, mediators, and key decision-makers in peacebuilding and national security initiatives.
She noted that women bring unique perspectives to conflict resolution and community rebuilding, making their inclusion essential for achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.
Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim further reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to strengthening partnerships with development partners and the international community in advancing gender-responsive governance and institutional reforms.
She stressed that collaborative efforts remain critical to expanding opportunities for women, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting inclusive policies that guarantee women’s meaningful participation at every level of governance and peacebuilding.
The Minister expressed optimism that the strengthened Nigeria–UK collaboration would accelerate the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda while delivering measurable benefits to women, families, and communities across the country.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs also reaffirmed its readiness to sustain its strategic partnership with the United Kingdom and other global stakeholders in advancing initiatives that foster peace, security, gender equality, and national development.
As Nigeria continues to confront evolving security and humanitarian challenges, stakeholders believe that empowering women as agents of peace and development remains one of the most effective pathways to building resilient communities and securing a more inclusive and prosperous future.