NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Hunger, poverty fuelling national security threats – CDS

Hunger, poverty fuelling national security threats – CDS

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges but have become national security threats.

Musa stated this at the opening of the 14th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), on Monday in Abuja.

The seminar with the theme: “Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria,” was organised in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and National Defence College (NDC).

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

He commended the organisers for creating a strategic platform for critical dialogue on Nigeria’s security and developmental challenges.

“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 once considered Nigeria’s food basket, is a clear example of how banditry, displacement, and farmer-herder conflicts have devastated agricultural productivity,’’ he said.

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.

“With the migration of rural youth to urban centres, agricultural productivity is declining.

“We must make farming attractive again—not as a last resort, but as a national duty and a prestigious calling,’’ he added.

Musa also praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on financial autonomy for local governments, which he described as vital for responsive and community-driven development.

“I assure you, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies and with the support of the people, remain resolute in overcoming all security threats.

“We must build a Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace, engage in productive livelihood, and enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.

In his remarks, President of AANDEC, Retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, underscored the need for sustained investment in education, economic empowerment and social inclusion as critical non-kinetic responses to Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.

Abdullahi said that hunger and poverty were not just humanitarian crises but strategic threats to national stability.

He quoted the timeless wisdom that says “the children of the poor you fail to train will never let your children have peace,” stressing that neglecting the socio-economic wellbeing of the population creates fertile ground for instability and extremism.

“When millions suffer from hunger and poverty, they become vulnerable to exploitation by those with ill intentions.

“We must therefore invest in our people— especially in education, livelihoods, and skills development.

“Economic initiatives that foster inclusion and bring communities together can be effective tools for peacebuilding. They create an atmosphere of stability and discourage violence,” he said.

The AANDEC president praised the members of the association – retired military officers and senior public servants as patriots committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace and unity beyond the battlefield.

He advocated for the creation of a dedicated vocational and leadership development centre for widows and children of fallen heroes, describing it as a necessary step in empowering vulnerable populations and promoting national healing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor / Isaac Ukpoju

WFP earmarks .5bn for hunger, malnutrition in Nigeria

WFP earmarks $2.5bn for hunger, malnutrition in Nigeria

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By Felicia Imohimi

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) says it has budgeted 2.5 billion dollars in the 2023 to-2027  Nigeria Country Strategy Plans (CSP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is geared towards achieving zero hunger and improved nutrition across the country.

Mr Seriene Loum, Head of Programme, WFP said this at the Co-creation workshop organised by the organisation on Wednesday in Abuja.

The workshop is in collaboration with National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA).

Loum, who represented WFP Country Director, said WFP strategic goal was to ensure a world without hunger in line with the SDG 1 and 2 on poverty and zero hunger.

He said the organisation would work closely with member states of United Nations including Nigeria to mobilise resources to fully implement the programmes.

“WFP Nigeria CSP 2023 t0 2027 a five-year project has a dedicated activity for strengthening institutional capacities and enhanced enabling environment in line with national target to achieve zero hunger by 2030.

“The project focus on food technology, fortification of  supply chain management, improving nutrition and emergency preparedness responses.

“2023 to 2027 have five pillars and each of them focus on zero hunger and improved nutrition.

“We have  some interventions that focus  on emergency response, making sure that people will not go to bed  hungry which are lifesaving activities that aim to provide immediate food assistant to people that are in need,’’ he said.

Loum identified Nigeria as operating one of the biggest social safety nets programme in Africa.

He said it was also encouraging that Nigeria had an ambitious safety nets programme target at uplifting hundreds of millions of its populace out of poverty.

He  said: “considering the current economic trend and level of vulnerabilities in Nigeria, the Cadre Harmonised (CH) result of October 2024 reveals that about 25 million Nigerians are acutely food insecure and projected to reach 33 million between June to August 2025.

“It is therefore expedient that all stakeholders, most especially WFP, need to work together with the Federal Government for this very ambitious goal to be achieved,’’ he said.

Also, Prof. Badamasi Lawal, Chief Executive Officer, NSIPA said the seminar was meant to harness collective expertise and resources to achieve meaningful impact in the lives of Nigerians.

Represented by Mrs Uche Obi, Director, Human Resources Management, he commended WFP for its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to address poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

According to her, WFP partnership is a testament to the power of international cooperation and the shared vision of creating a more equitable and prosperous society.

“The NSIP launched in 2016, elevated to a full-fledged Agency in 2023 has made significant strides in addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.

“Through various programmes, including the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (NCTO), Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) and N-Power, we have reached millions of Nigerians.

“We are providing them with opportunities for economic empowerment, education, and improved well-being .

“The WFP’s expertise in food security, nutrition and emergency response will be invaluable in enhancing our programmes and achieving greater impact.

“This collaboration will enable us to leverage each other’s strengths, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to address the complex challenges facing our nation,’’ he said.

He said WFP’s support had made it possible for the Federal Government to pull stakeholders in meaningful discussions and in shaping the future of their partnership.

“Your investment in this partnership is a testament to your commitment to Nigeria’s development and the well-being of its people,’’ he said. (NAN)  www.nannews.ng

Edited by Uche Anunne

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