Nigeria and the United Nations have renewed calls for stronger global investment in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, as world leaders grapple with escalating insecurity, humanitarian crises and violent conflicts across different regions.
The appeal was made on Wednesday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in Abuja, where the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, paid tribute to peacekeepers who have served and lost their lives in missions around the world.
The event, themed “Invest in Peace,” brought together government officials, diplomats, security agencies, development partners and serving peacekeepers to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of personnel deployed under the United Nations flag.
Speaking at the ceremony, the UN Resident Coordinator described peacekeeping as one of the strongest expressions of international solidarity, stressing that sustainable development and human progress can only thrive in an environment of peace and stability.
He noted that peace is not achieved solely through security interventions but also through deliberate investments in education, justice, social cohesion, youth empowerment and inclusive development.
“Every investment in peace is an investment in humanity,” he said, echoing the position of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres that peace remains the foundation upon which sustainable development is built.
According to the United Nations, more than two million people have participated in peacekeeping operations since 1948, while over 87,000 military, police and civilian personnel are currently serving in missions worldwide.
The organisation also highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding contribution to international peace efforts, revealing that the country has deployed more than 200,000 military and police personnel to 41 peace support missions since the 1960s.
It further disclosed that Nigeria currently has 335 uniformed personnel serving in United Nations peace operations, including 138 officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The UN commended Nigerian peacekeepers for their professionalism and dedication in conflict zones, noting that they have played vital roles in protecting civilians, supporting democratic institutions and facilitating post-conflict recovery in several countries.
Addressing Nigerian personnel serving under the UN flag, the Resident Coordinator praised their commitment to global peace and security.
“You carry trust. You carry the hopes of families you protect. You walk into difficult places so others can live in safety. You stand between uncertainty and stability,” he said.
In his remarks, IGP Disu honoured peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of humanity, noting that more than 4,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives since the establishment of UN Peacekeeping Operations in 1948.
“Peace is not free. It is often secured through extraordinary acts of courage, selflessness and dedication,” the police chief stated.
Disu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international peace operations, highlighting the contributions of Nigerian police officers in areas such as civilian protection, electoral assistance, post-conflict reconstruction, institution building and community policing.
He said the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by Nigerian officers have earned the country international recognition and strengthened its reputation as a responsible contributor to global peace and security.
The IGP also advocated increased investment in peacebuilding initiatives, arguing that preventing conflict is more effective and sustainable than responding to crises after violence has erupted.
“Investing in peace means strengthening institutions, promoting justice, protecting human rights and addressing the root causes of instability before they escalate into conflict,” he said.
He further called for sustained training and capacity development for peacekeepers, stressing that modern peace operations require personnel with strong operational competence, mediation skills, cultural sensitivity and community engagement expertise.
Disu also underscored the importance of greater participation of women in peacekeeping missions, noting that inclusive peace processes often produce more durable outcomes and enhance the legitimacy of peace operations.
The police chief paid tribute to the families of peacekeepers, describing them as unsung heroes whose sacrifices and support make international service possible.
The event coincided with Nigeria’s renewed commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter ahead of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Government officials reiterated the country’s support for multilateral cooperation, global peace initiatives and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing emerging global challenges.
The United Nations, in turn, commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts to promote peace, security and national stability, noting that peacekeeping abroad and peacebuilding at home are mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria through partnerships with government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, women, youth groups and development partners to advance dialogue, human rights, humanitarian assistance and social cohesion.
Speakers at the ceremony agreed that peace should be understood not merely as the absence of conflict, but as the presence of justice, opportunity and human dignity. They emphasised that investments in education, healthcare, community development, youth empowerment and accountable institutions remain critical to preventing violence and building resilient societies.
As global conflicts, terrorism, displacement and political instability continue to pose significant threats to international peace and security, participants called for stronger cooperation among nations and renewed commitment to the ideals of the United Nations.
They maintained that the greatest legacy the present generation can leave behind is a peaceful and stable world where future generations can live in safety, dignity and hope.
