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Alumni Association of the
National Institute (AANI)

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AANI NATIONAL COLLOQUIUM
COMMUNIQUÉ ADOPTED BY PARTICIPANTS AT THE END OF THE ONE-DAY NATIONAL COLLOQUIUM ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION HELD ON FEBRUARY 15, 2001 AT THE NICON HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA.

In line with the aims and objectives of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in creating a better society for Nigeria, the Alumni Association NIPSS (AANI) in collaboration with the USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives organized a National Colloquium on conflict Resolution with the theme, The Role of Conflict Resolution in a Democracy.

We, the participants drawn from the ten zones of AANI, national policy makers and stake holders in conflict management OBSERVE that:
Most of the conflicts on Nigeria are triggered off by the elite's and policy makers in their struggle for scare national resources;

While conflicts in Nigeria are disruptive and destructive, these can still lead to development and positive transformation IF appropriately handled and managed;

Nigeria cannot experience any meaningful and sustainable development without critically addressing these conflicts;

Unfortunately violent conflicts have continued to constitute a recurrent destabilizing factor and a serious impediment to the survival of democratic transition in Nigeria;

The institutional frameworks for the prevention and management of conflicts as enshrined in our agreement book (constitution) are themselves overburdened by avoidable conflicts. These include the different arms of government at all levels, such that they are not in a position to positively and effectively respond to conflict situations;

It is impossible for the government alone to deal with all the social conflicts in the country;

Military rule has adversely affected federalism in Nigeria and that there is a need to re-examine the concept of federalism.

After an intensive deliberation and brainstorming, we RECOMMEND as follows:

The institutional framework for conflict management in the society needs to be strengthened;

The Federal, State and Local governments should increase the value importance of CONFLICT MANAGEMENT through formidable sensitization programs and as part of the training of key sectors of the society.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT should be incorporated into the training curriculum of state agents and relevant institutions of governance, especially the Nigerian Police, the Armed Forces, paramilitary and educational institutions, participants of NIPSS and other similar institutions;

MEDIATION should become an integral part of the legal system, in order to bring justice closer, faster and cheaper to the generality of Nigerians. The role of the judiciary as the final arbiter should be recognized by all arms of government;

Federal, State and Local government authorities should embark on a more coordinated process of NATIONAL INTEGRATION AND RECONCILIATION;

Inter-governmental relations should be strengthened and joint problem solving approaches evolved by relevant authorities;

The policy makers must promote broad-based economic development as a way to expand access to resources and increase well being;

Government should form partnership with interested and genuine institutions and NGOs in order to assist the government proffer solutions to the conflicts in the country. In this respect, AANI offers its services to the Federal Government.

The Nigeria media should assist to nurture democracy by exercising restraint in reporting conflict situations and managing information maturely. However government should ensure that journalists and other citizens have better access to information through a Freedom of Information Act. This will reduce rumor mongering;

There is need to strengthen the country's internal security system in order to attract more foreign investors;

There is the need for youth empowerment and promotion of mass employment

Government should sponsor a similar colloquium at the Federal, State and Local government levels.

We RECOGNIZE the inevitable relationship that exist between peace and development, and hereby CONCLUDE that for the current democratic transition to be enduring and sustainable, a more concerted effort at strengthening conflict management capabilities of all stake holders, groups and communities must be encouraged. We also advise all Nigerians to avoid violence in dealing with conflict situations.

Signed by:

Prince J. Adelusi-Adeluyi Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, mni
NATIONAL PRESIDENT SECRETARY – GENERAL.