The President of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), Mr. Nathaniel Msen Awuapila, has renewed the Society’s call for Nigeria to establish a comprehensive national peace policy, describing the absence of such a framework—65 years after independence—as a major setback to coordinated peacebuilding efforts across the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 19th International Annual Conference, General Assembly and Investiture of Fellows, held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, University of Ibadan, Awuapila welcomed participants with deep appreciation for their commitment to advancing peace scholarship and practice in Nigeria and beyond.
“It is with profound honour and gratitude that I welcome you all to the 19th Annual International Conference and General Assembly of SPSP,” he said. “I deeply appreciate all our dignitaries, especially our Vice Chancellor, for graciously hosting this conference. I am humbled by the presence of our eminent Fellows and distinguished guests.”
Awuapila highlighted the Society’s rapid international growth, noting that SPSP had evolved into a global community of scholars and practitioners.
“I recognize the first international SPSP representation established in 2023 in Sierra Leone—the year we began attracting members from across continents,” he stated. “In 2024, we established our second international branch in Cameroon. We have also deliberately created sub-national branches in Nigeria, building stronger collaborations across states and institutions.”
He added that most serving Commissioners of Police (CPs) in Nigeria are members of SPSP, reflecting the Society’s increasing relevance to national security leadership.
The SPSP President expressed concern that Nigeria still operates without a national peace policy framework—an instrument he described as essential for coordination, prevention, and long-term stability.
He revealed that SPSP recently met with the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, to advance the push for policy development at both state and national levels.
“We appealed to the Speaker that Oyo State should at least pioneer a state-level peace policy that can later be developed nationally,” Awuapila said.
“He assured us of the Assembly’s support, saying SPSP should recommend what a structured peace framework should look like, beginning from Oyo State. He also promised to create an opportunity for us to interact with the Forum of Speakers so that this structure can be replicated across the states.”
Awuapila said the Speaker’s response demonstrated genuine legislative partnership, and reaffirmed SPSP’s strategic role in shaping peace architecture nationwide.
While acknowledging the Society’s 19-year journey, Awuapila underscored the need for stronger national support for peace research, conflict prevention, and community engagement. He noted that Nigeria’s economic and security challenges require coordinated solutions built on data, collaboration, and local participation.
“Our society has been embraced across Nigeria. But we need a national peace policy that reflects current realities and provides direction for government, communities, and institutions,” he emphasized.
“SPSP remains ready to support the Federal and State Governments in designing frameworks that can reduce conflict drivers and promote sustainable peace.”
The SPSP president also urged newly inducted Fellows and participants to commit to strengthening peace scholarship and advancing practical solutions that address both local and national challenges.
