The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has advocated for enhanced investment in early warning systems as a proactive and cost-effective strategy for preventing conflict and ensuring national peace and security.
He stated that early warning mechanisms are essential for recognizing emerging threats and addressing potential conflicts before they escalate, emphasizing that the mere absence of war does not equate to a state of peace.
Mr. Muntaka made this appeal during a familiarization meeting with officials from the National Centre for Coordination of Early Warning and Response Mechanism (NCCRM) at the Ministry of the Interior on Monday, January 26, 2026.
He praised the Centre for its contributions to national security and peacebuilding, particularly highlighting its publications, which he referred to as valuable resources for policymakers and stakeholders.
“The absence of war does not necessarily mean peace. We must take proactive measures to identify early warning indicators and respond to them before they escalate into crises,” he remarked.
The Minister pointed out that investing in early warning resources, including tools and systems, is significantly less expensive than addressing the aftermath of violent conflict and instability. He therefore urged relevant institutions to focus on preventive measures rather than reactive solutions.
Mr. Muntaka also emphasized the importance of community awareness regarding early warning indicators, noting that local communities are often the first to detect signs of tension or emerging threats.
He further called for enhanced collaboration among state institutions involved in peace and security and urged the media to allocate more coverage to discussions on early warning and conflict prevention to foster public awareness and support.
Despite facing resource limitations, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the NCCRM and encouraged the Centre to continue enhancing its operations and outreach.
The Coordinator of the NCCRM, Col. Emmanuel Sampson, conveyed his gratitude to the Minister for the engagement and support, and reiterated the Centre’s dedication to strengthening collaboration with the National Peace Council.
He stated that the Centre’s mandate encompasses not only human security but also other thematic areas vital for national and regional stability, emphasizing that current partnerships are crucial for improving early warning and response initiatives throughout the country.
