This post has already been read 2972 times!

National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has disclosed that insecurity has severely impacted the lives of more than 150 million Nigerians, with agriculture—Nigeria’s primary livelihood sector—bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Speaking in Abuja after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ribadu emphasized the urgent need for a united, multi-sectoral approach to restore peace and stability.

Highlighting the extensive human cost of insecurity, Ribadu stated that the vast majority of Nigerians, particularly those in farming communities, are facing worsening hunger and economic hardship. He described security as the most critical challenge across all sectors, warning that the country’s large population amplifies the consequences of violence and instability.

Ribadu also drew attention to the strategic threat posed by extremist actors, pointing to the destabilization seen in neighboring Sahel countries. He commended Nigerian security forces for maintaining national resilience despite mounting challenges and reiterated the government’s commitment to countering terrorism through both force and non-kinetic solutions.

The newly signed MoU, he explained, marks a strategic shift toward addressing the underlying drivers of violent extremism—such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. Through the Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project, the government aims to support disarmament, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts by empowering conflict-affected individuals and communities.

The project forms part of Nigeria’s broader deradicalization strategy, including initiatives like Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Gombe State, which has shown positive results in rehabilitating and reintegrating former combatants. Ribadu noted increasing signs of willingness among insurgents in the North West to surrender, signaling progress in restoring peace.

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, reiterated the importance of tackling extremism’s root causes. He highlighted the role of agriculture as a tool for economic empowerment and social stability, stating that the MoU provides a critical framework for implementing sustainable recovery initiatives across conflict-affected areas.

Deputy Director-General of IITA, Dr. Denshell Kenton, reinforced the long-term vision of the partnership, emphasizing the importance of sustained community transformation through food security, income generation, and improved living standards. He pledged IITA’s full support for the initiative, affirming a shared commitment to rebuilding safe and productive communities across Nigeria.