The Federal Government has unveiled a major initiative aimed at empowering over 150 million Nigerians affected by insecurity through agricultural development.

 

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this on Friday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Abuja.

 

Ribadu said insecurity has disrupted livelihoods across the country, particularly in agriculture, which employs a majority of Nigerians. “Security is the biggest challenge across all sectors, but agriculture is the most vulnerable,” he said.

 

He noted that the situation has left millions facing hunger and displacement, adding, “The number of people affected by insecurity could exceed 120 to 150 million.”

 

He emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to tackle insecurity, with agriculture playing a key role in economic recovery, social cohesion, and peacebuilding.

 

The NSA stressed that the government’s evolving strategy is moving beyond military responses to include non-kinetic solutions. He described the MoU as a “pivotal moment” in Nigeria’s journey to sustainable peace and security.

 

The Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project, developed under the MoU, targets ex-combatants, conflict-affected communities, and widows of fallen soldiers. It forms part of a broader effort to support the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DDRR) of those involved in violent extremism.

 

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of NCTC, said the initiative builds on successes recorded through Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Gombe State, where many low-risk former combatants have been successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated.

 

“This project will provide access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market linkages, in collaboration with state and local governments, civil society, and the private sector,” Laka said.

 

Also speaking, IITA Deputy Director General, Dr. Denshell Kenton, reiterated the institute’s commitment to sustainable development, saying the approach focuses on long-term solutions that ensure food security, income stability, and community prosperity.

 

“These are not quick fixes,” she said. “We are committed to working in Zamfara, Gombe, and any other state that joins this transformative partnership.”

 

The initiative marks a significant shift toward integrated, non-violent interventions to restore peace and rebuild lives in Nigeria’s most affected regions.