IPCR Adopts ICT Tools to Monitor Conflict Indicators Nationwide

By Chris Nyamtu
Early Warning System Aims to Avert Crises in Nigeria
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has adopted Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a key tool to monitor conflict indicators and prevent crises in their early stages across Nigeria. The initiative, aimed at enhancing Early Warning Early Response (EWER) systems, is part of the Peace Action for Rapid Transformative Nigerian Early Response (PARTNER) project, sponsored by USAID. Other partners include the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Plateau Peacebuilding Agency (PPBA), Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC), and Mercy Corps Nigeria.
Conflict Early Warning System Implementation in Nine States
IPCR is currently rolling out its technology-driven Conflict Early Warning Response System (CEWERS) across North Central and North West Nigeria. The project spans nine states and 49 communities, integrating community peace infrastructures to improve conflict prevention. In Nasarawa State, IPCR works with five established components: the Early Warning Monitoring and Reporting Group, Community-Based Reconciliation Committees, Conflict Early Warning Indicator Monitors, Gender Focal Persons, and the Early Warning Response Group. These groups consist of both security and non-security agencies working collaboratively to prevent and address conflicts.
Symposium to Strengthen ICT Use for Conflict Monitoring
To bolster the effectiveness of these components, IPCR and its partners recently organized a symposium to train officers and stakeholders on using ICT tools to identify and report conflict indicators. This workshop, held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, aimed to familiarize participants with newly developed ICT applications, including an early warning system designed to report and respond to potential conflicts.
Bridging the Gap Between Early Warning and Response
Speaking during the workshop, IPCR Director General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between early warning and response in Nigeria. He noted that “in many instances, early warning reports and information are not responded to, or sometimes the response comes too late to prevent violence.” Dr. Ochogwu emphasized that many citizens are unsure of which security agencies to contact with early warning information, which has led to the creation of national and state-level peace structures.
“The IPCR and PARTNER have recognized the strategic role that security agencies and other critical non-security stakeholders play in responding to conflict,” said Dr. Ochogwu. “Without an effective response, early warning becomes meaningless. That is why your cooperation as members of the Early Warning Response Group (EWRG) and Early Warning Monitoring and Reporting Group (EWMRG) is critical to conflict prevention, confidence-building, and violence mitigation.”
Technology-Driven Conflict Prevention
Dr. Ochogwu further explained that to achieve a coordinated and effective response to early warnings, the IPCR and PARTNER have embraced technology. This approach includes the use of digital platforms and ICT devices that enhance the conflict prevention strategy.
Training on Digital Tools for Early Warning
During the workshop, Steve Agbo, the coordinator of PARTNER Projects at IPCR, explained that the training focused on using digital tools such as the newly developed early warning application, toll-free lines, and an SMS platform integrated with the application. These tools will allow stakeholders to report conflict indicators and trigger responses more efficiently.
Agbo emphasized that the project aims to coordinate early warning stakeholders from the community to the national level, ensuring a robust response system that contributes to sustainable peace across the country. “We want stakeholders to use these tools effectively and send more conflict indicator reports to the situation room to reduce violence and crime, particularly in Nasarawa State,” Agbo said.
PARTNER Project in its Third Year, Expands to Tier Two States
Now in its third year, the PARTNER project has expanded to four additional states: Nasarawa, Benue, Kano, and Katsina. With two more years remaining in the initiative, the focus remains on enhancing the early warning system and achieving lasting peace through effective conflict prevention and response.