<![CDATA[Research Problem: Traditional authorities remain influential in grassroots peacebuilding in Northeast Nigeria, yet their capacity to mediate local conflicts is constrained by limited constitutional recognition, inadequate funding, political interference, and socio-cultural barriers. While these leaders navigate complex governance structures, the normative and ethical mechanisms underpinning their mediation efforts remain insufficiently integrated into formal peacebuilding frameworks. Research Purposes: This study examines the institutional, political, and socio-cultural constraints affecting traditional institutions’ peacebuilding efforts across selected emirates in Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe States, Northeast Nigeria, while exploring the normative role of religious-ethical values in local dispute resolution. Research Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews across nine purposively selected emirates (three from each state). The data were analyzed thematically to identify key operational challenges and governance dynamics. Results and Discussion: The findings identify five primary constraints: limited constitutional recognition, inadequate funding and personnel, political interference, socio-cultural diversity/barriers, and gender inequalities. Furthermore, the study highlights how religious-ethical principles—such as Amanah (trust), ‘Adl (justice), Shura (consultation), and Islah (reconciliation)—serve as critical normative anchors for customary mediation. Research Implications and Contributions: Grounded in these empirical insights, the study introduces the Traditional Authority Peacebuilding Capacity Framework (TAPCF) and a practical Community Peacebuilding Protocol. It contributes to governance and peacebuilding literature by demonstrating how clarifying legal mandates, ensuring political neutrality, and integrating ethical governance can strengthen the synergy between traditional authorities and formal state institutions.]]>
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