Hunger and Poverty Now Pose Security Threats — NSA, CDS

Hunger and Poverty Now Pose Security Threats — NSA, CDS

ABUJA — The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) have identified hunger and poverty as major drivers of insecurity, violence, and social instability in the country.

Their remarks came on the same day President Bola Tinubu, while commissioning 2,000 tractors under the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme in Abuja, announced that Nigeria’s agricultural revival was underway to enhance food production nationwide.

Both Ribadu and the CDS emphasized that hunger and poverty have become significant security threats.

Represented by Major General P.P. Mala, Director of Defence Affairs, Ribadu made this known at the 14th National Security Seminar organized by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja.

He stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is confronting these issues head-on through agricultural reforms, social investment programmes, and security interventions aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty and insecurity.

Speaking on the seminar’s theme, “Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria,” Ribadu said it addresses the core of the nation’s most pressing challenges.

Hunger and poverty are not merely social concerns; they are catalysts for insecurity, crime, violence, and social disintegration. These issues form a vicious cycle.  Poverty leads to insecurity and insecurity, in turn, deepens poverty.

“Under the leadership of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government has prioritised agricultural reforms, social investment programmes, and security sector interventions aimed at breaking this cycle.

“At the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, we continue to coordinate both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts across the armed forces, intelligence services, security agencies, and relevant government and non-governmental actors.

“Despite the progress made, issues like unemployment, hunger, and youth disenfranchisement remain persistent and require deeper, long-term solutions. This forum, therefore, presents an excellent platform for collective introspection and sharing of ideas. The challenges we face today are dynamic and multi-faceted. As such, our responses must be coordinated, inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking.”

The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, on his part, declared that hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges but had become national security threats.

Represented at the seminar by   the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shetimma, the CDS called for a unified national approach to combating hunger and poverty, stressing their growing impact on Nigeria’s internal security.

He said: “Insecurity today is not only defined by weapons but also by economic deprivation, food insecurity, and social dislocation. Hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges, they have become national security threats.

“The North-Central region, particularly Benue State, once considered Nigeria’s food basket, is a clear example of how banditry, displacement and farmer-herder conflicts have devastated agricultural productivity.’’

Musa noted that the disruption of farming communities and illegal occupation of farmlands contributed to food inflation, displacement and mass migration, thereby destabilising both the economy and national cohesion.

He called on communities to deny criminals and terrorists sanctuary by supporting intelligence gathering, timely reporting and community vigilance.

The CDS called for urgent investment in grassroots agricultural development, and urged government and stakeholders to reposition farming as a noble and rewarding profession by enhancing access to credit, infrastructure and market linkages.

He noted that the migration of rural youth to urban areas has led to a decline in agricultural productivity, stressing the need to make farming appealing once again—not as a last resort, but as a national duty and a respected profession.

Commending President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on granting financial autonomy to local governments, which he described as crucial for effective, community-led development, Musa stated: “I assure you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies and with the support of the populace, remain steadfast in tackling all security challenges.

“We must work towards building a Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace, pursue productive livelihoods, and fully benefit from the dividends of democracy.”