FG turns to agribusiness, targets 300 ex-fighters, widows in conflict affected areas

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has unveiled an agribusiness and livelihood initiative targeting former combatants and communities affected by conflict in Nigeria, in a push toward consolidating peace and security through economic empowerment.

Launched in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the initiative, dubbed Seeds for Hope, was formally introduced at a donors and stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja.

The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s non-kinetic counter-terrorism strategies by promoting economic inclusion, peacebuilding, and resilience in post-conflict areas.

Speaking at the event, Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, said the initiative marks a new chapter in the nation’s efforts to tackle violent extremism through sustainable, community-based solutions.

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“Sustainable peace and security cannot be achieved through kinetic response alone.

“Strategies that empower individuals and restore livelihoods are essential to building lasting peace and preventing the resurgence of extremist ideologies”, Laka noted.

The programme, he said, would provide beneficiaries, particularly former clients of the federal government’s Disarmament, Deradicalization, and Reintegration (DDR) programme, widows, and vulnerable community members with access to farmland, agricultural inputs, technical training, mentorship, and market linkages.

According to Laka, the project builds on the achievements of Operation Safe Corridor, which has so far graduated over 2,600 low-risk ex-combatants from its rehabilitation facility in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State.

“Currently, over 300 individuals are undergoing rehabilitation, with growing numbers of insurgents and bandits in the North-West and North-Central expressing willingness to surrender.

“However, the real challenge lies in ensuring sustainable reintegration.

“Without viable economic pathways, the risk of relapse into extremist networks remains high”, Laka stressed.

He referenced World Bank data that suggests growth in the agricultural sector is at least twice as effective in reducing poverty than growth in other sectors, underscoring agribusiness as a key pillar of the initiative.

The NCTC boss also confirmed that six states have indicated interest in hosting the pilot phase of the programme, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IITA on May 20.

He appealed for increased donor support and multisectoral collaboration to scale the initiative nationally and eventually regionally.

“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 said.

On the legislative front, Sadiq Tafida, Chairman of the House Committee on Peace Building and Social Cohesion, pledged the full support of the National Assembly toward the initiative.

He praised the NCTC-IITA partnership as a “transformative step” in tackling the socioeconomic roots of insecurity and extremism.

“This collaboration recognises a fundamental truth, that security is not achieved by military means alone, but also by addressing the socioeconomic vulnerabilities that extremists exploit.

“Through these efforts, we aim to create a pathway to dignity, self-reliance, and hope”, Tafida said.

Tafida stressed that rebuilding lives through agribusiness would help convert former conflict zones into hubs of opportunity and stability.

He called on donors and development agencies to rally behind the initiative, noting that no single institution can singlehandedly confront violent extremism.

Abdoulaye Tahirau, Deputy Director-General of IITA, said Seeds for Hope is more than an intervention, it is a movement aimed at restoring dignity, fostering reconciliation, and nurturing inclusive growth.

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“The initiative will introduce high-quality seeds, provide training for farmers, and help build resilient value chains.

“It will also ensure inclusive participation of youth, women, and vulnerable groups in post-conflict economic recovery.

“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 explained.