The European Union has unveiled a €4.5 million intervention project in Sokoto State aimed at tackling insecurity, conflict, displacement and climate-related challenges affecting vulnerable communities.
The initiative, known as RECAP — Resilience, Engagement and Conflict Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection in Sokoto State — is expected to benefit over 537,000 people across 10 local government areas within 18 months.
The project, launched in Sokoto on Wednesday, is funded by the EU and implemented by Action Against Hunger Nigeria in partnership with International Alert and Save The Child Initiative.
Speaking at the unveiling, EU representative Xenia Stoll said the project reflects the union’s commitment to peacebuilding and long-term stability in Northwest Nigeria.
“Through the RECAP project we jointly commit to conflict prevention, social cohesion and human security in Northwest Nigeria,” she said.
Stoll explained that the intervention would focus on addressing the root causes of violence, including exclusion, economic hardship and competition over resources.
Representing Sokoto Deputy Governor Idris Gobir, the state Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Umar, described the intervention as timely, noting that Sokoto continues to battle insecurity, poverty, climate stress and communal tensions.
“This initiative is both timely and essential. Sokoto State faces complex challenges including insecurity, climate pressures, livelihood vulnerabilities and resource-based conflicts,” he stated.
He added that the project’s focus on dialogue, livelihoods, water governance, mental health and psychosocial support would help strengthen long-term peace and resilience in affected communities.
Action Against Hunger representative, Thierno Samba Diallo, also stressed the importance of community-driven solutions in addressing conflict and displacement across the state.
“Through RECAP, we are committed to strengthening community resilience, restoring trust and empowering women and youth as central actors in peacebuilding and recovery,” he said.
The RECAP programme forms part of broader EU-backed humanitarian and development efforts in Sokoto State focused on improving peace, stability and social cohesion.
