Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has disclosed that approximately 150 million Nigerians—roughly two-thirds of the nation’s population—have been directly or indirectly affected by the pervasive insecurity plaguing the country. The statement, made during a high-profile event in Abuja, underscores the profound challenges Nigeria faces as it grapples with multifaceted security threats that threaten not only lives but also the nation’s economic backbone, particularly its agricultural sector. Ribadu’s remarks came during the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), a collaboration aimed at tackling the root causes of insecurity through innovative socio-economic interventions.
The Scope of Insecurity
Ribadu painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s security landscape, highlighting how banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of violent extremism have cast a long shadow over the nation. With a population exceeding 200 million, the figure of 150 million affected citizens illustrates the staggering scale of the crisis. The NSA emphasized that insecurity has disproportionately impacted rural communities, where agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood. Farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food production, have been forced to abandon their lands due to persistent threats from armed groups, leading to reduced agricultural output, skyrocketing food prices, and deepening poverty.
“Insecurity has not only disrupted lives but has also crippled the very foundation of our economy,” Ribadu stated. “When farmers cannot go to their fields, when communities are displaced, and when fear becomes a way of life, the ripple effects are felt by every Nigerian.” The NSA’s comments align with reports from various sources, including the United Nations, which have noted that Nigeria’s security challenges have displaced millions, with over 3.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) recorded as of 2024, many of whom are farmers and rural dwellers.
The Agricultural Crisis: A Threat to National Stability
The agricultural sector, which employs nearly 40% of Nigeria’s workforce and contributes significantly to its GDP, has been particularly hard-hit. Ribadu highlighted how insecurity has disrupted farming activities in key agricultural regions, such as the North-East, North-West, and parts of the North-Central zones. Bandits and terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and its splinter factions, have targeted rural communities, kidnapping farmers, extorting levies, and destroying crops and infrastructure. This has led to a vicious cycle of food insecurity, economic hardship, and social unrest.
The NSA pointed out that the decline in agricultural productivity has far-reaching consequences, including rising inflation and increased dependency on food imports. “When we talk about 150 million Nigerians affected, we’re talking about families who can no longer feed themselves, children who are out of school, and communities that have lost hope,” Ribadu said. The situation is compounded by climate-related challenges and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have further strained Nigeria’s agricultural output.
A Regional Perspective: The Sahel’s Warning
Ribadu also drew attention to the broader regional context, warning that Nigeria must learn from the collapse of neighboring Sahel countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where insurgencies and political instability have led to near-total state failure. “The Sahel is a stark reminder of what happens when insecurity is allowed to fester,” he cautioned. “Nigeria’s resilience, thanks to the sacrifices of our security forces, has kept us from that fate, but we cannot afford complacency.” He noted that Nigeria’s strategic position and population size make it a linchpin for regional stability, and failure to address insecurity could have catastrophic consequences for West Africa.
A New Approach: The NCTC-IITA Partnership
The signing of the MoU between the NCTC and IITA represents a bold step toward addressing the root causes of insecurity through non-military means. The partnership aims to empower communities affected by terrorism and violent extremism by promoting agribusiness and sustainable livelihoods. The IITA, a renowned research institution focused on agricultural innovation in tropical regions, will bring its expertise to bear in creating opportunities for youth and vulnerable populations, who are often prime targets for recruitment by terrorist groups.
Ribadu emphasized that military solutions alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s security challenges. “We must address the underlying issues—poverty, unemployment, social exclusion—that fuel these conflicts,” he said. The NCTC-IITA collaboration will focus on providing training, resources, and market access to farmers and young entrepreneurs in affected regions, with the goal of fostering economic resilience and reducing the allure of extremist ideologies. The initiative also includes plans to rehabilitate degraded lands and introduce climate-smart agricultural practices to boost productivity.
A Whole-of-Society Approach
Ribadu called for a unified, whole-of-society effort to tackle insecurity, urging collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, civil society, and international partners. He praised the IITA for its commitment to Nigeria’s development and expressed optimism that the partnership would serve as a model for other initiatives. “This is not just about signing an agreement; it’s about giving hope to millions of Nigerians who have been battered by insecurity,” he said.
The NSA also highlighted the importance of addressing the ideological underpinnings of terrorism. “Extremist groups thrive by exploiting grievances and offering false promises,” he noted. “By creating opportunities and showing our people that there is a better path, we can dismantle the narratives that fuel their recruitment.”
Join our Whatsapp channel to stay updated always!
