The Federal Government (FG) has called for deeper collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK) to accelerate the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, saying the meaningful participation of women is critical to conflict prevention, peace building and sustainable national development.

The call came as the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development commended the UK Government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), for reaffirming its commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Nigeria.

A statement signed by the Acting Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Ahmed Lawal Danbazzau, said the renewed commitment followed discussions at the Nigeria UK Defence and Security Forum, where the United Kingdom reiterated its support for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

According to the statement, the UK also pledged continued support for strengthening the meaningful participation of women in peace building, conflict prevention, stabilization, mediation and post conflict recovery.

The ministry acknowledged the impact of the UK’s SPRING Programme, which it said has continued to promote inclusive peace and security, strengthen institutions and empower women as key actors in building resilient communities and sustainable peace.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, described the UK’s renewed commitment as a significant boost to Nigeria’s efforts to fully implement the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

“The implementation of UNSCR 1325 remains central to ensuring that women are not only protected during conflicts but are also empowered as leaders, negotiators, and decision makers in peace and security processes,” she said.

The minister stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the active involvement of women at every level of governance and conflict resolution.

She also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening partnerships with international allies in promoting inclusive governance and institutional reforms.

According to her, the administration remains committed “to deepening collaboration with international partners in promoting inclusive governance, strengthening institutional frameworks, and advancing sustainable peace through the meaningful participation of women at all levels.”

The ministry noted that its partnership with the United Kingdom has continued to support initiatives that promote women’s leadership in peace building and strengthen community resilience, particularly through programmes that encourage broader participation in decision making processes.

It added that sustaining strategic partnerships remains essential to delivering lasting benefits for women, families and communities affected by conflict and insecurity.

“The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development looks forward to sustaining its strategic partnership with the United Kingdom in accelerating the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and delivering lasting outcomes for women, families, communities, and the nation as a whole,” the statement said.

The ministry maintained that advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda remains a priority as Nigeria seeks to build stronger institutions and expand the role of women in shaping peace and security outcomes across the country.