Stakeholders from across Plateau State have validated a strategic framework aimed at strengthening Early Warning Early Response (EWER) systems to prevent violent conflicts.

Speaking at the Validation Workshop for the EWER Strategy and Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), Dr. Chris Agoha, Country Manager of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), emphasized the cost-effectiveness of conflict prevention compared to crisis management.

“Conflict prevention is always less costly than dealing with a crisis in terms of human life, destruction, and instability in neighbouring countries. Early warning and early response systems are vital for conflict prevention, ensuring timely interventions that keep civilians safe and foster sustainable development,” he added.

The workshop, organized by HD and SPRiNG in collaboration with the UK International Development, convened representatives from government ministries, security agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), traditional rulers, the media, market women associations, and other key stakeholders to finalize a structured approach for conflict detection and response in Plateau State.

The SPRiNG Team Lead, represented by the Regional Manager, Dr. Okoha, emphasized the necessity of sustained peacebuilding initiatives.

“Peacebuilding is a continuous process. For peace to be sustainable, an effective EWER system is of paramount importance. I believe the documents generated from this stakeholders’ workshop will be actionable, ensuring both conflict prevention and timely responses to early warning signs,” he stated, acknowledging stakeholders and partners for their dedication.

During the workshop, a draft EWER document was presented, outlining crucial areas such as historical conflict trends, root causes of conflicts, response strategies, implementation frameworks and expected outcomes. Participants conducted a SWOT and Force Field Analysis, revealing key weaknesses in the current system, including:

• Poor inter-agency coordination and collaboration

• Limited community engagement and ownership
• Weak policy frameworks and inadequate legislation
• Insufficient funding for EWER initiatives
• Environmental degradation and geographical constraints

However, key driving forces that support peacebuilding efforts were also identified:

• Strong civil society engagement
• Volunteerism and grassroots participation
• Historical conflict experiences that inform preventive strategies
• Perceived injustices and the need for resolution
• Intergenerational knowledge-sharing on conflict prevention

To bridge these gaps, stakeholders recommended several key strategies, including:

• Decentralizing EWER systems to local government levels
• Strengthening EWER capacity through human resource training, technology adoption, and community sensitization
• Enhancing intelligence-sharing and coordination mechanisms
• Continuous monitoring and evaluation of EWER interventions
• Developing innovative financing strategies for sustainability

Speaking at the event, Kaneng Tabitha Pam, Plateau State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), underscored the importance of ensuring grassroots communities understand the EWER system and its benefits.

“This initiative mostly concerns individuals at the grassroots, and their understanding of the process and end goal is of utmost importance to aid implementation. That is why, for our agency, this is a done deal. We must take actionable steps to step down the information to them—those at the grassroots and local communities,” she stated.

She further emphasized that the NOA would leverage local dialects and community-based sensitization methods.

“This will be done in their local dialect using foot soldiers—our staff who are familiar with the communities and their peculiarities. Of course, we will collaborate with other agencies and organizations, as we can’t work alone in the sensitization process.”

For the EWER system to be effective and sustainable, stakeholders stressed the need for:

• Strong political will and commitment from the government and policymakers
• Adequate resource allocation for operational efficiency
• Effective inter-agency collaboration to prevent duplication of efforts
• Community ownership and participation in EWER initiatives
• Continuous learning, adaptation, and transparency in governance

As Plateau State moves forward with this strategy, stakeholders reaffirm that the success of the EWER system hinges on sustained commitment, collaboration, and the political will to act before conflicts escalate.