EU Invests €4.5M in Sokoto Peace and Resilience Project

More than 537,000 people across Nigeria's Sokoto State are getting a powerful boost in their fight for stability and peace.

The European Union has launched RECAP, a €4.5 million initiative designed to tackle the root causes of conflict in one of Nigeria's most vulnerable regions. The 18-month project officially kicked off Wednesday in Sokoto, bringing together international partners to address insecurity, climate pressures, and economic challenges that have strained communities.

Action Against Hunger Nigeria is leading the implementation alongside International Alert and Save The Child Initiative. Together, they'll work across 10 local government areas to strengthen what matters most: local capacity for peace.

"By addressing the root causes of violence such as exclusion, resource competition and economic marginalisation, this action strengthens local capacities for peace," said Xenia Stoll from the European Union delegation. The program focuses on dialogue, sustainable livelihoods, water governance, mental health support, and psychosocial services.

Sokoto State Commissioner for Health Abubakar Umar called the timing essential. The state faces mounting pressures from climate change affecting agriculture, resource scarcity sparking disputes, and displacement disrupting social fabric.

What makes RECAP different is its community-driven approach. Rather than imposing outside solutions, the project empowers local voices, especially women and youth, to become central actors in peacebuilding efforts.

"We are committed to strengthening community resilience, restoring trust and empowering women and youth as central actors in peacebuilding," said Thierno Samba Diallo from Action Against Hunger Nigeria. The project recognizes that sustainable peace requires locally owned solutions that address how conflict, climate stress, poverty, and displacement intersect.

The Ripple Effect

This initiative represents more than immediate crisis response. By investing in dialogue platforms and mental health support, RECAP is building the foundation for long-term stability that could transform how communities navigate future challenges.

The Sokoto State Government has committed full institutional support to ensure the project's success and community ownership. This partnership approach, combining EU funding with local government commitment and international expertise, creates a model for sustainable peacebuilding that could inspire similar efforts across Nigeria's Northwest region.

The program forms part of a broader EU partnership with Sokoto State that includes humanitarian assistance, civil society support, and collaboration with religious and traditional institutions. Over 537,000 people will soon experience what happens when global resources meet local determination to build lasting peace.

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