The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has disclosed that hunger and poverty are the major catalysts fueling insecurity, violence and social disintegration in the country.
Ribadu disclosed this yesterday while speaking at the 14th National Security Seminar organized by the Alumni Association of National Defence College.
He, however, revealed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is tackling the challenge through prioritisation of agricultural reforms, social investment programmes, and security sector interventions aimed at breaking this cycle.
Represented by Major General PP Mala, Director, Defence Affairs, Ribadu said, “This year’s theme, “Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria, touches at the very heart of our national 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
“These efforts are visible through increased support for food security initiatives, enhanced law enforcement capacity, and infrastructure to support agricultural production and distribution.
“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 the sharing of ideas. The challenges we face today are dynamic and multifaceted. As such, our responses must be coordinated, inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking”.
In his remarks, Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammad Badaru Abubakar called for human-centred security approaches to solving the challenges by addressing the root causes of insecurity, including unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion.
The minister pointed out that in a world where security challenges knows no borders; there was need for collective action in addressing the nation’s security concerns.
While calling for a “whole-of-society” approach to tackle pressing issues like hunger, poverty, and violence, he said, ‘May our collective efforts continue to strengthen our path towards unity, resilience, and sustainable national security,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa on his part declared that hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges but have become national security threats.
Represented at the seminar by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Adm, 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.