The federal government, has launched a major agri-business and livelihood empowerment initiative, which it said was targeted at former combatants and conflict-affected communities in Nigeria.
The National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), announced the initiative at a high-level donors and stakeholders’ meeting that was held in Abuja.
It specifically said the initiative would be built on the success of Operation Safe Corridor, revealing that over 2,600 low-risk former combatants have graduated through rehabilitation in Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State.
The national coordinator of NCTC, Major General Adamu Laka, who announced the initiative on behalf of the government, said the programme was aimed at strengthening non-kinetic approach to countering terrorism in Nigeria.
Laka explained that the approach was by promoting peacebuilding through economic inclusion, adding that sustainable peace and security cannot be achieved through kinetic response alone.
He explained further that the initiative was in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), noting that the centre remains committed to a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to addressing the root causes of violent extremism.
According to him, the collaboration with IITA was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 20, adding that six states had so far indicated interest in hosting the project.
“Strategies that empower individuals and restore livelihoods are essential to building lasting peace and preventing the resurgence of extremist ideologies.
“The new project will provide access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market linkages for former clients of the federal government’s disarmament, deradicalization, and reintegration (DDR) programme, as well as widows and members of conflict-affected communities,” he said.
The NCTC boss also disclosed that the programme offered psychosocial support, vocational training, and reintegration assistance.
He added, “Currently, over 300 clients are undergoing rehabilitation, and increasing numbers of terrorists and bandits in the North-West and North-Central regions are expressing willingness to surrender.
“Agribusiness presents an ideal platform for skill development, income generation, and community stability in post-conflict settings.
“This stakeholders’ meeting provides a platform to share our vision, present our strategy, and explore partnership pathways.
With your support, this initiative can become a model for regional replication,” he stated.
He however, stressed the need for sustainable economic reintegration to avoid reversal of gains made through the DDR programmes.
He cited World Bank data indicating that growth in the agricultural sector is at least twice as effective in reducing poverty as growth in other sectors.
For his part, the deputy director-general of IITA, Dr Abdoulaye Tahirau, said that Seeds For Hope was more than a project; it was a movement towards inclusive peace, resilience, and dignity.
Tahirau explained that the initiative would introduce high-quality seeds, provide training for farmers, help build resilient value chains, and promote inclusive participation of youth, women, and other vulnerable groups.
“At IITA, we believe agriculture is a powerful force for reconciliation, recovery, and inclusive growth. This initiative will not only plant seeds in the soil but also sow hope, dignity, and opportunity in the hearts of communities,” he said.
