Emmanuel Ademola
Hunger and poverty are no longer just economic issues but major drivers of Nigeria’s insecurity, experts have declared.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, made this declaration in Abuja yesterday.
They spoke at the 14th National Security Seminar, highlighting how hunger and poverty now threaten Nigeria’s peace and national cohesion.
Ribadu, represented by Major General PP Mala, explained that hunger and poverty form a vicious cycle fueling violence and crime.
According to him, poverty leads to insecurity, while insecurity further deepens poverty among already struggling communities across the country.
He stressed that under President Bola Tinubu, efforts are underway to break this cycle using bold agricultural reforms and interventions.
He cited the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, which aims to boost food production and reduce economic hardship nationwide.
During the same event, President Tinubu commissioned 2,000 tractors to scale up farming efforts across all 36 states.
Ribadu emphasized that hunger and poverty are also driving youth disenfranchisement, which further destabilizes communities and weakens national unity.
He noted that the Office of the NSA is coordinating law enforcement, intelligence, and civil society in addressing these root causes.
The defence chief added that enhanced food security would restore dignity and offer hope to millions of struggling Nigerian families.
Although progress is visible, both leaders agreed that tackling hunger and poverty will require long-term, strategic, and inclusive efforts.
They called on stakeholders to engage in innovative collaboration, making food security a cornerstone of peace and national development.
Hunger and poverty must be addressed holistically to reduce the growing threats of banditry, terrorism, and widespread civil unrest.
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