Hunger, poverty now national security threats — NSA, CDS, Defence minister raise alarm

Top security officials in Nigeria have raised the alarm about the growing threat of hunger and poverty to national security. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, all emphasized that these issues are no longer just social concerns but have become full-blown national security threats.

By Rhalialt Arhuoizah

Key Points:

- Hunger and Poverty as Security Threats: The officials warned that hunger and poverty are catalysts for insecurity, crime, violence, and social disintegration, creating a vicious cycle that stifles economic growth and worsens social vulnerabilities.
- Impact on Internal Security: Gen. Musa noted that the North Central region, particularly Benue State, once Nigeria's food basket, has been devastated by banditry, displacement, and farmer-herder conflicts, leading to food inflation, displacement, and mass migration.
- Call for Unified National Approach: The officials called for a unified national approach to combating hunger and poverty, stressing the need for urgent investment in grassroots agricultural development, enhanced access to credit, infrastructure, and market opportunities.
- Human-Centred Security Approach: The Defence Minister advocated for a human-centred security approach, tackling root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion through a "whole-of-society" strategy .

Government Initiatives:

- Agricultural Reforms: President Bola Tinubu's administration has prioritized agricultural reforms, social investment programs, and security sector interventions to break the cycle of poverty and insecurity.
- Food Security Initiatives: The government has launched initiatives to support food security, including the distribution of 2,000 tractors to boost agricultural production nationwide.
- Social Investment Programs: The administration has implemented social investment programs aimed at promoting economic empowerment and social inclusion .