Top Security Chiefs Declare Hunger, Poverty as Critical National Security Threats
Nigeria's National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa have issued a stark warning: hunger and poverty are no longer mere social issues but have escalated into "full-blown national security threats." This significant declaration was made at the 14th National Security Seminar in Abuja, themed "Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria."
Their joint pronouncements underscore a critical shift in how Nigeria's security apparatus views the nation's challenges, emphasizing that economic deprivation directly fuels insecurity.
A Deeper Dive into Their Concerns:
* Beyond Social Woes: Both officials were unequivocal, stating that the pervasive grip of hunger and poverty transcends humanitarian concerns, directly undermining national stability.
* The Vicious Cycle of Insecurity: NSA Ribadu articulated a clear link: "Hunger and poverty are not merely social concerns; they are catalysts for insecurity, crime, violence, and social disintegration." He highlighted a dangerous feedback loop where poverty breeds insecurity, which in turn exacerbates poverty.
* Economic Deprivation as a Weapon: General Musa, represented by Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shetimma, added a crucial dimension, asserting that "Insecurity today is no longer defined only by arms and conflict but by economic deprivation, displacement, and hunger."
* Exploiting Vulnerability: The security chiefs warned that widespread hunger and poverty leave millions susceptible to manipulation and recruitment by criminal organizations and extremist groups.
* Benue State: A Sobering Example: The CDS specifically pointed to Benue State, once a thriving agricultural hub, as a stark illustration of how banditry, displacement, and farmer-herder conflicts have crippled food production, leading to increased food insecurity and destitution.
* Beyond Military Solutions: Both leaders advocated for a unified, "whole-of-society" approach to tackle these threats, stressing that military interventions alone are insufficient. They called for substantial investment in education, livelihoods, and skills development to address the root causes of insecurity.
Government's Acknowledged Response:
The NSA affirmed that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, is actively prioritizing agricultural reforms, social investment programs, and targeted security interventions to break this "vicious cycle." Recent initiatives include the commissioning of 2,000 tractors for nationwide deployment under the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, aimed squarely at boosting food production. The government's strategic focus remains on food security, strengthening law enforcement, and developing infrastructure to support agriculture.
Implications for Nigeria:
This powerful acknowledgment from Nigeria's top security and defense officials signals a pivotal shift in perspective, highlighting:
* Interconnected Challenges: It firmly establishes the direct link between socio-economic hardship and national security, demanding a holistic, rather than purely military, approach to national stability.
* Multi-Sectoral Imperative: It reinforces the understanding that sustainable security requires comprehensive, long-term development strategies that tackle the underlying causes of vulnerability.
* Increased Government Accountability: This declaration places significant pressure on the government to deliver tangible results in poverty alleviation and hunger reduction, now explicitly recognized as fundamental threats to Nigeria's stability.
This recognition marks a crucial step towards a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to national security in Nigeria, acknowledging that lasting peace depends on the well-being of its citizens.
