The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has launched an agribusiness initiative, Seeds for Hope, to promote economic inclusion, peacebuilding, and resilience in post-conflict areas. The programme targets former combatants and communities affected by conflict in Nigeria, providing beneficiaries with access to farmland, agricultural inputs, technical training, mentorship, and market linkages.
Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, emphasised the importance of empowering individuals and restoring livelihoods to build lasting peace. “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,” he said.
The programme builds on the achievements of Operation Safe Corridor, which has graduated over 2,600 low-risk ex-combatants from its rehabilitation facility. “Without viable economic pathways, the risk of relapse into extremist networks remains high,” Laka stressed. The NCTC boss confirmed that six states have indicated interest in hosting the pilot phase of the programme and appealed for increased donor support and multisectoral collaboration.
Sadiq Tafida, Chairman of the House Committee on Peace Building and Social Cohesion, praised the NCTC-IITA partnership as a “transformative step” in tackling the socioeconomic roots of insecurity and extremism. Abdoulaye Tahirau, Deputy Director-General of IITA, said Seeds for Hope is a movement aimed at restoring dignity, fostering reconciliation, and nurturing inclusive growth.
The initiative will introduce high-quality seeds, provide training for farmers, and help build resilient value chains. Tahirau added, “This initiative will not only plant seeds in the soil but also sow hope, dignity, and opportunity in the hearts of communities,” ensuring inclusive participation of youth, women, and vulnerable groups in post-conflict economic recovery.