FG launches empowerment initiative to tackle the economic drivers of insecurity

He said, “The Livelihood Empowerment Initiative Project is both timely and relevant in this critical period when Nigeria is grappling with the intersection between economic hardship and insecurity across several communities, leading to increased fear, displacement, unemployment, underemployment, and limited access to economic opportunities thereby creating fertile ground for exploitation, particularly by violent extremist and criminal groups.

“We are persuaded that by launching and coordinating the implementation of the Livelihood Empowerment Initiative project, we would be doing more than providing livelihoods; we would be de-risking the future of our vulnerable youth and women.” “We see this initiative as a 'soft-approach' strategy to counter-terrorism, replacing vulnerability with capability and despair with a career.”

Laka noted that the NCTC views projects such as the Livelihood Empowerment Initiative as strategic security interventions rather than merely development programmes, adding that the launch shifts focus to the nation’s most vital assets—women and youth.

He said, “Let me categorically state that this initiative aligns strongly with the objectives of Nigeria’s Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism framework, particularly in addressing structural drivers of radicalization, promoting economic inclusion and resilience, strengthening community-based prevention mechanisms as well as supporting at-risk populations, especially youth and women.

“By focusing on agricultural value chains, the Livelihood Empowerment Initiative project leverages a sector that remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and a critical source of sustainable livelihoods.”

The NCTC boss added that, as the coordinating hub for counterterrorism and for preventing and countering violent extremism, the NCTC has consistently advanced a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, making its strategy to national security more holistic.

“We recognize that sustainable peace is built on the foundation of human security,” Laka said.

He said the integration of skills and capacity building, start-up resources, and guaranteed market linkages was particularly commendable, as it ensures that beneficiaries are not only trained but are also positioned for sustained economic productivity.

He added that the initiative’s projection to empower 10,000 vulnerable youth and women with sustainable income and jobs will, no doubt, improve community resilience and reduce vulnerability to extremist recruitment, noting that these outcomes speak directly to national priorities: security, stability and inclusive growth.

Laka commended GINMI for conceptualizing the initiative, which he said reflects a deep understanding of both development and security dynamics.

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The Founder and Board Chairman of GINMI, Dr. Reuben Uche Egwu, described the initiative as a "practical step toward translating national security policies into grassroots impact."

Egwu acknowledged the partnership with the NCTC, noting that the collaboration had provided the institutional backing needed to drive the programme.

He said Nigeria’s security challenges—from terrorism in the North East to banditry and other forms of criminality—require a people-centred approach that addresses economic deprivation.

“When our youth and women are sidelined by unemployment, they become the primary targets for recruitment by extremist groups.

“By integrating modern agronomy, we are not just growing crops; we are growing the foundations of peace,” he said.

The Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs in the Federal Capital Territory, Adedayo Laniyi, pledged the support of the FCT Administration toward the success of the initiative.

She described the programme as a shift from reactive to preventive strategies in addressing insecurity, noting that women and young people remain central to sustainable development.