The main function of the Directorate of Research and Policy Analysis is to conduct research aimed at evolving appropriate methodologies for the investigation of conflicts through specific empirical studies.
The research activities of the Directorate are targeted at the formulation of research models and strategies that would provide an in-depth understanding of conflicts in Africa. They are also aimed at a comprehensive analysis of major crisis-engendered phenomena in society, as well as at the management of conflicts.
Crises are not always products of internally dictated dynamics; sometimes they are externally engineered, motivated and driven. The Directorate inquires into the forces and processes that could lead to cross-border export of crisis or outbreak of hostilities between nation states. Forces such as rebellion, self-determination movements and electoral disputes are studies with a view to arriving at policy options to contain,manage and resolve such disputes.
In pursuit of the Institute’s objectives, the Directorate organizes programmes to impart knowledge and skills in the areas of conflict prevention, management and resolution. It also seeks to build capacity in a range of negotiation techniques as well as promote the processes of peace-making, peace-keeping and confidence building.
In this regard, the Directorate examines techniques involving power-sharing mechanisms, devolution of power and options open to post-conflict societies e.g federalism, autonomy, human rights protection and minority rights.
To avoid instability occasioned by struggles involving the transfer of power, it has become necessary to promote the culture of orderly and peaceful political succession, especially competitive elections, regarded as a cardinal feature of genuine democracy. The Directorate conducts research and seeks to promote transparent, honest and credible electoral processes. It adopts both proactive and reactive measures in researching and formulating strategies for the promotion of democracy, civil society, human rights, good governance, transparency and accountability, and human-centered development.
The Directorate researches into issues and trends in defense and security, especially in Africa. It studies armed conflicts, the phenomenon of inordinate military expenditures and African security, civilian-military relations, cross-border crimes within the continent, as well as international terrorism. The Directorate focuses especially on the study and development of sub-regional security and collective defense arrangements in Africa, and on peacekeeping and peace-enforcement mechanisms.
The creation of the National Peace Academy (NPA) is informed by the urgent need to develop human skills and capacities in peacebuilding and alternative dispute resolution. This is to reiterate the Institute’s core mandate as a government agency with the responsibility to conduct trainings and develop capacities for the peaceful management and resolution of conflicts in Nigeria and Africa.
- Support for Government’s efforts at preventing, mitigating and resolving conflicts.
- Provide deep understanding and appreciation of the roles of capacity building for peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
- Ensure commitment to constant innovation, improvement, research and development, sharing and learning.
- Create a platform for excellence that meets international standards in Learning, Design and Development.
This arm of the Institute manages the National Conflict Early Warning Early Response System (NCEWERS) and the required stakeholders, to identify conflict indicators across the country through conflict indicator reports, periodic conflict National Conflict update in order to strengthen IPCR’s proactive conflict prevention and peace promotion activtiies. The Unit dispatches early warning to the appropriate security agencies and other responders to enable them take suitable actions that would lead to conflict prevention and minimal conflict impacts.
The Unit produces National Conflict outlook for policy purposes, economic and academic decision making, as well as reference sources for scholars and conflict resolution practice.
The following units are under the Director General’s office
- Information and Communication Technology
- Library Services
- Gender, Peace and Security
- Audit
- Procurement
- Legal Services
