Advancing Stability in Northern Nigeria

A Strategic Conversation with Nigeria’s Governors

Join USIP for a critical and timely discussion with ten northern Nigerian governors on the frontlines of the country's most pressing challenges. The conversation will explore Nigeria's prospects for peace, what Nigerian citizens and leaders can do to manage tensions or violence, the most important issues for the state governors, and how stability in northern Nigeria can contribute to progress and prosperity for the country.

Last month’s wave of mass kidnappings in Nigeria, which grabbed international attention, underscore how violent extremism and organized crime is fueling insecurity in Nigeria’s north, compounding efforts to address the country’s worst economic crisis in decades and threatening progress made in its democratic development. As the country’s most populous democracy and largest economy, Nigeria's stability is crucial not just for its citizens but also for ensuring peace and security throughout the region. Currently, regional stability faces significant threats from increasing extremist violence and a series of coups in the Sahel, alongside rising anti-democratic trends in coastal West Africa. Home to the ECOWAS headquarters and strategically positioned at the crossroads of the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is central to efforts in maintaining and promoting regional stability.

Nigeria’s federal system gives governors great responsibilities in addressing the issues driving the country’s multiple conflicts, including farmer-herder violence, inter-communal conflicts, organized crime groups (known as bandits) and the Boko Haram insurgency. This discussion with governors from Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano, and Plateau states is a unique opportunity to hear directly from key leaders instrumental to Nigeria’s future, building on conversations USIP hosted with Nigeria’s governors in 2014 and 2016.

For more information about this event or to register to attend, please visit

Speakers:

Ambassador Johnnie Carson, moderator

Senior Advisor, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace

The Honorable Dikko Umar Radda

Governor of Katsina State

The Honorable Dauda Lawal

Governor of Zamfara State

The Honorable Uba Sani

Governor of Kaduna State

The Honorable Mohammed Umar Bago

Governor of Niger State

The Honorable Nasir Idris

Governor of Kebbi State

The Honorable Mallam Umar

Governor of Jigawa State

The Honorable Abba Kabir Yusuf

Governor of Kano State

The Honorable Caleb Mutfwang

Governor of Plateau State

The Honorable Hyacinth Iormem Alia

Governor of Benue State

The Honorable Mohammed Idris Gobir

Deputy Governor of Sokoto State

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP