EU Unveils €4.5m Conflict Prevention and Resilience Project in Sokoto

The European Union (European Union) has launched a €4.5 million conflict prevention and resilience initiative in Sokoto State aimed at tackling insecurity, climate stress, displacement, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities affecting communities across the region.

The project, known as RECAP—Resilience, Engagement and Conflict Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection in Sokoto State—was officially unveiled on Wednesday during an External Stakeholders Grant Opening Meeting held in Sokoto.

The 18-month intervention is funded by the EU and implemented by Action Against Hunger Nigeria in partnership with International Alert and Save The Child Initiative. It will cover 10 local government areas and is expected to directly benefit more than 537,000 people across the state.

Speaking at the launch, Xenia Stoll said the initiative reflects the European Union’s commitment to peacebuilding, social cohesion, and human security in Northwest Nigeria.

She noted that the programme is designed to address the root causes of conflict, including exclusion, resource competition, and economic marginalisation, while strengthening local capacity for peace and long-term stability.

“The European Union values the relationship with Sokoto State. We support the governor and state authorities in their efforts to provide stability and prosperity for their population,” Stoll said.

“Through the RECAP project we jointly commit to conflict prevention, social cohesion and human security in Northwest Nigeria.”

Also speaking at the event, Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Umar, who represented the Deputy Governor, described the intervention as timely given the growing security and socioeconomic challenges facing the state.

He said Sokoto continues to grapple with insecurity, climate pressures, livelihood vulnerabilities, and resource-based conflicts, all of which require coordinated and community-driven solutions.

“This initiative is both timely and essential,” he said, while commending the European Union and its development partners for their continued support to vulnerable communities.

He added that sustainable peacebuilding efforts remain critical to addressing the root causes of instability and improving livelihoods across affected areas.