…Pledges to Establish PAVE Desk Officers in 23 LGAs
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Ministry of Local Government Affairs has expressed readiness to partner with the Partnering Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Coalition and other stakeholders to tackle threats of violent extremism across communities in the state, in line with the current administration’s efforts to curb insecurity.
The Commissioner, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, represented by the Director of Inspectorate in the Ministry, made the remarks during an advocacy visit, affirming the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with PAVE and other relevant bodies to address these issues at the grassroots level.
Earlier, during the visit, the State Chairman of PAVE Coalition, Mr. Eric John, urged the Ministry to integrate counter-violent extremism strategies into local government planning and budgeting. He also called for strengthening the capacity of local councils to monitor early warning signs and facilitate community-led peacebuilding dialogue.
In response, the Director described the visit as timely, stating: “We recognize the urgent need to work hand-in-hand with community-focused initiatives like PAVE to prevent violent extremism before it takes root.”
As part of the Ministry’s commitment, he announced the decision to establish PAVE Desk Officers in all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
“These desk officers will serve as liaison points for coordination, reporting, and joint programming with the PAVE Coalition and other peacebuilding actors,” he said.
Furthermore, the Director advised the network to submit a formal request for the PAVE Coalition to make a presentation at the upcoming Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) meeting.
“This key forum, attended by all local government chairmen and the executive arm of government, provides a platform for PAVE to advocate the integration of counter-violent extremism strategies into local government planning and resource allocation.
“We want every LGA chairman and key decision-maker in the executive arm to understand the role they can play in building peace and resilience. Your presentation at the JAAC meeting will help drive that message home,” he added.
He described the development as a significant step toward deepening collaboration between government institutions and civil society in the collective effort to prevent violence and foster peace in Kaduna State.
Earlier in his remarks, the PAVE Coalition Chairman, Mr. Eric John, expressed conviction that the fight against violent extremism cannot be won without the active leadership and coordination of local government institutions.
He noted that while Kaduna State has long stood as a symbol of Nigeria’s diversity and resilience, its communities continue to grapple with extremism, radicalization, and communal division.
“These are not abstract challenges—they disrupt lives, displace families, and destroy futures. The Ministry of Local Government Affairs holds a critical key to changing this narrative,” he said.
“Local government councils are closest to the people. They know the pulse of their communities, the warning signs of extremism, and the opportunities for prevention and peacebuilding. It is time to transform local governance from passive administration to active peace leadership.”
He called on the Ministry to:
Integrate counter-violent extremism strategies into planning and budgeting processes
Strengthen early warning systems
Facilitate community dialogue
Implement inclusive, youth-driven initiatives to address root causes
Create a dedicated desk officer for PAVE in each LGA
“Extremism thrives where silence prevails and institutions are disengaged,” Mr. John said. “But peace takes root where local leadership is inclusive, informed, and proactive.”
PAVE also urged the Ministry to convene a State-Local Government Roundtable on Preventing Violent Extremism in partnership with relevant stakeholders, to chart a sustainable path toward safer and stronger communities.
“This is our call to action,” he concluded. “We invite every local council chairperson, every traditional leader, and every ward representative to join us. Together, we can build a Kaduna State where our diversity is not a source of division, but a pillar of peace.”
