Agriculture Boost Promises Safety, Jobs for 150M Nigerians

Agriculture Boost Promises Safety, Jobs for 150M Nigerians

Agriculture  revival may soon rescue millions of Nigerians trapped in fear, hunger, and hardship. For years, insecurity has crippled farmlands and scattered entire communities. Now, the Federal Government says help is finally on the way—for over 150 million Nigerians.

National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, made the announcement in Abuja. He spoke after signing a new agreement between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

For many, this is not just a policy—it’s hope.

“Security is the biggest challenge we are facing across all sectors,” Mr. Ribadu said. “But agriculture is the most vulnerable to insecurity. As a nation of predominantly farmers, insecurity directly impacts our livelihoods.”

He said that insecurity has robbed families of peace, food, and purpose. Whether people live in the city or the village, they feel the pain. “Our people desperately need relief,” he said. “Insecurity has turned our lives upside down.”

According to Mr. Ribadu, more than 120 to 150 million Nigerians now live under the shadow of violence. The damage goes beyond stolen harvests. It’s about broken homes, hunger, fear, and lost futures.

But the government believes agriculture can fight back. It’s not just about planting crops—it’s about planting peace, dignity, and stability.

The NSA warned that violent groups want to see Nigeria fall apart. “The malicious elements are becoming more aggressive,” he said. “They have destabilised democracies in neighboring countries.”

Mr. Ribadu mentioned Sudan, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali as countries already dealing with chaos. But he praised Nigeria’s security forces for holding the line. “We are facing difficulties,” he said, “but we are managing to survive.”

He described the new MoU with IITA as a turning point. The deal launches a bold strategy—the Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project. It’s aimed at communities damaged by terrorism, including ex-combatants, widows, and displaced families.

“This is about more than bullets,” Ribadu said. “We now realise lasting peace requires more than force. Poverty, hopelessness, and social neglect breed violence. We must fix that.”

He said the government’s new strategy includes Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DDR)—all supported by agriculture and job creation.

One such effort, Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Gombe State, has already made progress. According to Ribadu, many former fighters have dropped their weapons and are now eager to return to normal life.

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of NCTC, explained why this matters. “If we want to stop violence for good, we have to understand what causes it,” he said. “Poverty, marginalization, and no opportunities—that’s where the danger grows.”

He said the new project will use farming as a tool. It’s not just about food. It’s about giving people a reason to wake up, to belong, and to contribute.

The goal is to create jobs, rebuild homes, and make villages safe again. Ex-combatants, displaced families, and widows will get land, seeds, training, and tools. They’ll also receive mentorship and help in reaching local markets.

The effort will include support from state governments, civil groups, and private partners. It’s a wide net meant to catch people before they fall into despair.

Dr. Denshell Kenton, Deputy Director General of IITA, said the work ahead is serious—but hopeful. “These are not quick fixes,” he said. “We’re focusing on long-term, sustainable, positive changes.”

Dr. Kenton said the aim is simple: to build stable communities where families eat well, earn enough, and feel safe. “When we make one community better, we make the whole region stronger,” he said.

He also pledged that IITA is ready to work in states like Zamfara and Gombe—and any others willing to join. “We don’t have all the answers,” he admitted, “but we will work day and night to make it succeed.”

The government is counting on this partnership to restore hope. The mood is cautious but determined. People want peace, but more than that, they want to plant, grow, and live again.

Agriculture, once threatened, is now being called to heal.

This plan may not fix everything overnight, but it gives millions a fresh chance—and in a time of pain, that means everything.