The United States government says it has committed $ 15 million to community Initiatives to promote peace programmes in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt over the past five years.

It added that the programme had trained over 46,000 community members in crucial skills such as dispute resolution and early warning response across six states – Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, and Plateau.

These were revealed in a statement made available to our correspondent from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the impact of the CIPP programme is evident in its ability to reduce violent conflict in at-risk communities and involve women and youth in peacebuilding processes.

“This initiative has trained more than 46,000 community members, including traditional leaders, women, men, and youth, in six states – Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, and Plateau – on skills such as dispute resolution, early warning and early response, reconciliation efforts, and prevention of violent extremism,” the statement noted.

The USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones, emphasised the importance of investing in peace, noting that individuals trained in conflict mediation skills have successfully resolved numerous disputes, preventing further escalation.

Jones said, “The CIPP activity has shown that a timely investment in peace can yield remarkable dividends.

“Individuals trained in conflict mediation skills across Nigeria’s Middle Belt helped resolve hundreds of disputes before they escalated further.”

As the programme transitions, USAID plans to transfer key community structures, such as Conflict Mitigation Regional Councils and Women Peace Councils, to the new Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigerian Early Response activity, ensuring continuity and sustained progress in promoting peace and security in the region.