NSA Ribadu: Securing Farms is Securing Nigeria’s Future

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has emphasized that securing farms and rural communities is crucial to Nigeria’s future and food security. 

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the NSA and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja, Ribadu highlighted the government’s dedication to returning displaced farmers to their lands.

“Agriculture has been the worst hit by insecurity, creating food scarcity for over 150 million Nigerians,” Ribadu said.

He stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to restoring peace so that farmers can safely return to their communities and rebuild their livelihoods.

Acknowledging the deep frustration among affected communities, Ribadu quoted the popular saying, “A hungry man is an angry man,” affirming that people’s feelings of neglect are justified. “It is our job. It is our duty. We are taking it as our responsibility and it is a good thing,” he added.

He praised the security forces’ dedication, saying, “The members of the security forces are very dedicated and they have committed themselves to work to see how to secure our country and make our people live in peace.”

Ribadu further explained that progress should be measured by comparing the current situation with the past.

“If you compare what was happening before the coming of this administration, people in Zamfara will probably testify to that. The same thing will be put in Borno or Kaduna State.”

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, reiterated the centre’s commitment to a comprehensive, non-kinetic approach in tackling violent extremism. He stressed that while military action is necessary, it alone cannot bring lasting peace.

“The root causes of violent extremism such as poverty, marginalisation, and lack of opportunity must be addressed through inclusive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society solutions,” Laka explained.

He pointed to the success of the Disarmament, Deradicalisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme, particularly Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Gombe State, which has helped many former combatants return to normal life.

“As we expand similar efforts in the North-West, it has become increasingly evident that economic reintegration pathways are vital for sustaining these efforts and ensuring long-term peace,” he said.

In this regard, Laka described agriculture as a critical tool for economic empowerment, restoring livelihoods, and fostering social cohesion in conflict-affected areas.

“Accordingly, we partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, a leading nonprofit research organisation established in 1967, which focuses on enhancing food security, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa, for the agribusiness and livelihood project.”

Dr. Denshell Kenton, Deputy Director-General of IITA, praised the MoU as a strong example of government commitment. “The combination of our knowledge and experiences will make a powerful team that would have a big success,” he said.

Dr. Kenton emphasized that their shared focus is on long-term, sustainable improvements to make communities better places to live.

“I support the approach that NCTC and IITA have developed together to solve both poverty and violent extremism. The way we do it is through integrated agriculture approach. I believe we will be successful.”

The post NSA Ribadu: Securing Farms is Securing Nigeria’s Future appeared first on Kano Times.