Nigeria welcomes UK support for women, peace and security agenda

The federal government has welcomed the renewed commitment of the United Kingdom to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in Nigeria, describing the pledge as a major boost to efforts aimed at increasing women’s participation in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and post-conflict recovery.

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development said the commitment was reaffirmed by the UK Government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), during the Nigeria–UK Defence and Security Forum.

According to the ministry, the UK pledged continued support for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, stabilisation, mediation and post-conflict recovery.

The ministry also acknowledged the impact of the UK’s SPRING Programme, describing it as a key initiative supporting inclusive peace and security, stronger institutions and the empowerment of women as critical actors in building resilient communities.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the UK’s renewed support would strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to fully implement the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

“The UK’s renewed pledge is a significant boost to Nigeria’s efforts to fully implement the Women, Peace and Security Agenda,” she said.

The minister stressed that the implementation of UNSCR 1325 remains critical to ensuring women are not only protected during conflicts but also actively involved in shaping peace and security outcomes.

“The implementation of UNSCR 1325 remains central to ensuring that women are not only protected during conflicts but are also empowered as leaders, negotiators and decision-makers in peace and security processes,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.