JOS, Nigeria — The lower legislative chamber of the Nigerian parliament, known as the House of Representatives, is set to host a comprehensive dialogue and security conference in Jos, the capital city of Plateau State in central Nigeria. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, is designed to uncover and resolve the foundational issues driving the persistent security crises that have long affected the region.
Plateau State has faced recurrent waves of communal and ethno-religious violence, leading to significant loss of life and the displacement of thousands of residents across its 17 local government districts. Wale Hammed, the Chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Security, formally announced the upcoming conference on Monday, April 13, 2026. The announcement was made during an afternoon visit at 4:52 PM West African Time (WAT, GMT+1) to the state government headquarters in Jos, where Hammed led a delegation of national lawmakers to brief Caleb Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State.
Okay News reports that the dialogue will operate under the official theme “Restoring Stability and Unity: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Security in Plateau State and Beyond.”
Addressing the state leadership, Hammed noted that the federal parliament authorized the gathering because of an urgent requirement to “examine and address the root causes of the security challenges in Plateau State and beyond, while collaboratively developing practical and sustainable solutions.”
To ensure a broad and effective dialogue, the committee has cast a wide net for participation. Hammed confirmed that the legislative body had “cordially invited critical stakeholders — including government representatives, former governors, traditional institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, international partners, religious bodies, academia, researchers, public-spirited individuals, and the general public” to join the one-day summit.
Hammed emphasized the collaborative goal of the initiative. “This conference will provide a platform for inclusive dialogue, enabling participants to share insights, reflect on real-life experiences, and contribute to strategies that foster collaboration, strengthen unity, and promote lasting peace,” Hammed said. He praised the current state administration for its ongoing efforts to restore public safety and urged all parties to unite, adding, “Let us come together to shape a secure and prosperous future for Plateau State.”
Josephine Piyo, the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, received the visiting lawmakers on behalf of Governor Mutfwang and praised the federal parliament for its timely support. “The people of Plateau have borne the brunt of insecurity for too long. This summit gives us hope that the Federal Government is listening and willing to partner with us to find lasting answers,” Piyo said.
She guaranteed the complete backing of the state government for the initiative, pointing out that “no meaningful development can take place without peace and security.” Piyo promised that the local administration would take active steps to enforce the outcomes of the summit. “Government is ready to work with all stakeholders gathered for this dialogue. We will provide every support needed to ensure the resolutions from Tuesday’s conference are not left on paper but are implemented for the good of our communities,” she stated.
The deputy governor also used the opportunity to acknowledge the direct involvement of the federal government following recent violence. “We are happy to welcome you to Plateau State and we want to appreciate our President, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, who visited us about a week ago in Plateau when we were faced with this security breach and when we lost so many lives,” Piyo said.
She extended profound gratitude to the wife of the President for her ongoing welfare efforts, particularly regarding internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have lost their homes to the conflict. “We are so grateful. Please extend our appreciation to him and the First Lady, who has always been attending to us as well. She has always been here for us. She has visited several times. She has even made contributions for the resettlement of the IDPs,” she added.
Concluding her remarks, Piyo expressed confidence in the national parliament’s dedication to the region’s recovery. “We also appreciate the leadership of the National Assembly. They have done so well for Nigeria and Plateau. Your visit to Plateau State and the plan for the security conference is a testament that we are not orphans,” she said.
She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the collaborative peace process. “On behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, who has been working to ensure we have lasting peace in Plateau, we want to tell you that we are happy with what you are doing and the support to actualise the peace objective in the state,” the deputy governor stated.
