The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, has called for a human-centred approach to national security, urging a focus on addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
Badaru made this call on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 14th National Security Seminar, organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Defence College (NDC).
The seminar, themed “Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria,” brought together military and civilian stakeholders to brainstorm sustainable strategies for peace and development.
“Security challenges today transcend borders. We must adopt a whole-of-society approach in combating hunger, poverty and social instability,” Badaru said.
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to improving livelihoods and lauded the efforts of the Armed Forces and security agencies for their bravery and innovation in confronting threats.
“This seminar is a platform to deliberate on sustainable solutions and promote inclusive security approaches. Our collective efforts must strengthen the path to unity, resilience, and national security,” he added.
In his remarks, National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Maj.-Gen. Peter Mala, echoed the minister’s concerns. He described hunger and poverty as enablers of insecurity, fuelling crime and social disintegration.
“Poverty leads to insecurity, and insecurity deepens poverty. These twin crises must be broken to achieve lasting peace,” Ribadu noted.
He highlighted the Federal Government’s strategic interventions, including agricultural reforms, social investment programmes, and enhanced law enforcement capacity, aimed at reversing this cycle.
Ribadu also noted that his office continues to coordinate both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies among military, intelligence, and civilian agencies to deliver sustainable peace.
“Despite the progress, issues such as youth disenfranchisement and hunger remain widespread. These require deeper, long-term responses,” he stated.
The NSA commended the Alumni Association for creating a platform that brings together security experts, policymakers, and citizens to share ideas and chart the way forward for a safer, more resilient Nigeria.