The Open Society Foundations Commends the Benue State Government for formally adopting the People-Centered Public Safety Model

The Open Society Foundations has commended the Benue State Government for formally adopting the People-Centered Public Safety Model as an official state policy.

The commendation was delivered by the Programme Manager, Security and Rights at the Open Society Foundations, Louise Ehlers, during the official launch of the initiative at the Government House in Makurdi. Ehlers described the endorsement as a landmark decision that positions Benue as a leader in rights-based security reform at the subnational level.

According to her, the model, initially pioneered in Guma Local Government Area, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, and Agatu Local Government Area, has demonstrated measurable impact in strengthening trust between communities and security actors. She noted that the framework goes beyond conventional security approaches by placing citizens at the center of safety governance, rebuilding trust, and promoting accountability.

Ehlers emphasized that the initiative aligns closely with the Foundation’s Security and Rights Programme, highlighting its contribution to enhancing information sharing, improving coordinated responses to threats, and safeguarding fundamental human rights. She stated that the model provides a scalable framework that can be replicated across the state and potentially adapted to other contexts globally.

Reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment, Ehlers said the Open Society Foundations would continue to support reforms aimed at advancing people-centered security governance, institutional strengthening, and sustainable peace. She added that the formal adoption of the model reflects clear political will, institutional ownership, and a long-term commitment by the Benue State Government to embedding rights-based public safety systems across the state.

The People-Centered Public Safety Programme is implemented in Benue State by Lawyers Alert, with support from the Open Society Foundations through its Security and Rights Programme.