Hedayah and ONSA host anti-extremism workshop

Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with Hedayah – The International Centre of Excellence for Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism, is convening a four-day national stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja to review Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE).

The workshop, taking place from 7-10 April 2025, brings together over 170 participants from government, civil society, religious communities, academia, and international partners.

The event marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address the evolving threat of violent extremism. With growing instability in the region, a renewed, adaptive, and inclusive national strategy has never been more critical.

Anna Sherburn, Deputy Executive Director of Hedayah, reaffirmed the organisation’s continued support to Nigeria’s P/CVE efforts.

“Our purpose is to see a global reduction in extremism and violent extremism. Eight years after we first supported Nigeria’s 2017 National Action Plan, Hedayah is proud to once again assist in guiding this review process,” she said.

Sherburn also recognised the instrumental roles of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), Hedayah’s International Steering Board, and key donors including the European Union, represented at the event by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

In his keynote remarks, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, represented by Hajia Idayat Hassan, emphasised the urgency of the review process. “Nigeria, like many nations, has faced the devastating consequences of violent extremism. A refreshed and responsive strategy is needed now more than ever,” she said, commending Major General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), for his leadership.

Ambassador Gautier Mignot reiterated the European Union’s (EU) commitment to Nigeria’s security and development.

“The EU is proud to be a longstanding partner in Nigeria’s P/CVE efforts. Let us move forward together with confidence in our shared vision for peace and stability. Through the European Union’s investment in the Strengthening Resilience to Violent Extremism (STRIVE) Global Programme, implemented by Hedayah, the EU has enabled this initiative.”

As part of its strategic mandate, Hedayah supports governments around the world in developing, reviewing, and implementing National Action Plans and P/CVE policies. Through a comprehensive and inclusive approach, Hedayah delivers tailored technical support, capacity building, and evidence-based guidance to ensure impactful and context-sensitive strategies.

This review workshop signifies Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its P/CVE framework while creating space for inclusive dialogue and sustainable

In December 2024, Hedayah hosted five representatives from ONSA.

This visit marked the Nigerian Government’s official approval for Hedayah to support ONSA in the review, design, and implementation of the country’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism.

Through training, tailor-made capacity-building programmes, and best-practice sharing, this visit will kick start Hedayah’s collaboration with Nigeria’s ONSA to review and support in implementing Nigeria’s National strategy & Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Extremism.

This strategic engagement with Nigeria’s ONSA builds on the foundations of Hedayah’s existing work to support rehabilitation and reintegration from extremism in Nigeria.

For several years, Hedayah has enhanced efforts to counter extremism and violent extremism in Nigeria by supporting families impacted by radicalisation, as well as mentorship, establishing a cadre of national trainers capable of disseminating the programme’s knowledge and skills to other practitioners and stakeholders.

Hedayah expressed its gratitude to the EU for facilitating this engagement and making this collaboration possible, and expressed sincere appreciation to the UAE, which hosts Hedayah and serves as the home for its global operations.

WAM