Canada Supports Community Policing in Nigeria

Zacheaus Somorin Canada has again showed its support for community policing in Nigeria. Canadian High commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Perry Calderwood, stated that supporting community policing is one of the most effective means of fighting crimes in the society. The envoy said this recently while ongratulating Women Friendly Initiative (WFI), on the occasion of the inauguration of the Community Security Support Group in Gwagwalada Area Council in Abuja.

“This project supports the effective participation of the community in decision making around local policing. This community-based policing approach is improving the security of women, men and children. I congratulate Women Friendly Initiative and the key stakeholders in Gwagwalada Area Council on their commitment to work together to improve the security of their community,” Calderwood added.

The project by Women Friendly Initiative has brought together stakeholders from the Gwagwalada Area Council Security Committee and the local community, for regular dialogues to improve relationships, raise awareness on security issues thus increasing the capacity in crime prevention.

The project builds on a successful 2012 WFI initiative in Kuje Local Government Area. Both projects have received support from the High Commission of Canada in Abuja’s Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides direct funding assistance to community groups, nongovernment organizations, people’s organizations, international non-governmental organizations, and government institutions for small projects addressing human rights, democratic development.

It also assists in security, rule of law, good and economic governance.

The CFLI focuses on funding projects with long-term, sustainable goals that enhance the local community.

The program is widely recognized as making a significant contribution to development and capacity-building in Nigeria.