Nigeria Links Food Security to National Security with New AgriShield Initiative

Nigeria's Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has launched the AgriShield Initiative, a program that treats food security as a matter of national security. The initiative reflects the Federal Government's position that food security and human security cannot be separated. Under AgriShield, military, intelligence, and law-enforcement operations will create protected zones for farming. Agricultural and financial institutions will support food production in those areas. Communicators will publicize verified progress, while civil society groups will ensure policymakers hear from the communities affected. According to the government, each part of the program strengthens the others. Farmers who feel safe are more likely to produce food, which in turn supports national stability.