Exclusion of Youth and Drug Abuse Identified as Conflict Triggers in Nigeria

A Netherlands-based organization, the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), along with its partners, has pointed out that substance abuse and the marginalization of young individuals in peace negotiations are key factors in the persistence of conflicts within Nigerian communities.

This finding was presented during the launch of the Land Justice Guidelines for the Prevention and Resolution of Conflicts Between Farmers and Herders, specifically targeted at Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, and Benue States. The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) program and the UK International Development, with the event taking place on Monday in Abuja.

During the program, Damian Ihekoronye, a representative of the Coalition of Advocacy Lead in the SPRiNG Programme, explained that the initiative surveyed how the availability of small and light firearms, combined with drug abuse among the youth, significantly exacerbates the conflict in the areas where they operate due to the high level of youth involvement in these matters.

Ihekoronye further emphasized the importance of addressing negative narratives and profiling, including religious discrimination, and how the exclusion of young individuals from decision-making and peace-building initiatives substantially contributes to these conflicts.

Ijeoma Nwafor, the Country Representative for HiiL Nigeria, highlighted that the program aims to address the gaps in citizens’ justice needs, noting that less than 15 percent of the Nigerian population actively engages with the formal court system.

Maryam Abba spoke about the guidelines, indicating that they provide affected communities with essential tools for conflict prevention, resolution, and aftercare, which also integrate traditional methods to foster greater acceptance and efficacy within local contexts.