NATIONAL INSECURITY AND THE CHALLENGES OF FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA (BASED ON THE PRESIDENT TINUBU ADMINISTRATION)
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Nigeria’s primary aim in its agricultural resurgence is to diversify its economy by positioning agriculture as the main driver of economic growth while striving to eradicate hunger within the country. Achieving a hunger-free nation is synonymous with attaining food security, which has become an urgent priority for the nation. A substantial portion of Nigeria’s population, which stands at approximately 198.1 million, lacks sufficient access to food, highlighting the severity of the situation (FMARD, 2017). Despite Nigeria’s favorable agro-ecological resources, the country continues to grapple with widespread food and nutrition insecurity. The nation encompasses a vast land area of about 92.4 million hectares, yet only around 32 million hectares, or 34.63 percent, are currently utilized for agricultural purposes. This underutilization of arable land underscores Nigeria’s struggle to adequately meet the food and nutritional needs of its growing population. On a global scale, Nigeria ranks among the nations most affected by food insecurity and under-nutrition (Fadare et al., 2019).
The situation concerning food and nutrition insecurity in Nigeria has been progressively worsening. Reports from FAO and other agencies (2019) indicate that between 2004 and 2006, approximately 9.1 million Nigerians were undernourished. Alarmingly, this number surged to 25.6 million, representing a staggering 281.32 percent increase, between 2016 and 2018. As Nigeria’s population continues to expand at a rapid pace of 3.1 percent annually, the country’s food and nutritional demands are expected to rise correspondingly. This projected increase in demand could exacerbate the already concerning levels of food and nutrition insecurity.
Despite recognizing the critical importance of agriculture, Nigeria has not yet allocated the necessary 10 percent of its annual national budget to the sector, a key requirement for achieving the 6 percent growth in agricultural productivity outlined in the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) frameworks. However, since 2010, Nigeria has embarked on the implementation of significant agricultural policies and has actively pursued them (FMARD, 2017). While some progress has been made, particularly in the cultivation of staple crops such as cassava and rice, there remain considerable disparities between the levels of domestic production and the demand for several essential crops. As a result, Nigeria is compelled to allocate a significant portion of its already limited financial resources toward food imports. According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the country’s monthly expenditure on food imports in 2015 was approximately US$665.4 million. Subsequent reports indicate that this expenditure significantly declined to US$160.4 million per month by October 2018 (Popoola, 2018). Despite these modest achievements, the overall situation remains dire, with Nigeria continuing to face severe challenges in ensuring food and nutrition security. The risk of Nigeria suddenly experiencing acute food insecurity is a looming threat, particularly as agricultural productivity declines due to the ongoing national instability.
There is no doubt that Nigeria’s agricultural sector possesses immense potential, which, if properly harnessed, could lead to significant economic benefits. These benefits could include increased revenue for farmers, improved food and nutritional security for the population, and expanded employment opportunities. Furthermore, the agricultural sector has the potential to elevate Nigeria’s status on the global stage, positioning the country as a major player in international food markets. This potential was emphasized in a report by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in 2011. However, several formidable challenges stand in the way of realizing this potential and repositioning Nigeria’s agriculture industry. These challenges include an uncompetitive environment for agricultural activities, inadequate investment, widespread corruption, limited access to credit and quality agricultural inputs, ineffective policy implementation, restricted market access, and the pervasive issue of national instability (Downie, 2017). One of the most significant threats to the agricultural sector is the widespread insecurity caused by the activities of insurgent groups, particularly Boko Haram and the Fulani herdsmen. The persistent terrorist activities of Boko Haram have severely disrupted agricultural operations in northeastern Nigeria, rendering the region’s agricultural environment increasingly unstable and unsafe. Agricultural activities are fundamentally dependent on a secure environment, and the lack of security in these areas has led to a marked decline in domestic agricultural production, the displacement of rural communities, and restricted access to regional markets (Eigege & Cooke, 2017). In addition to Boko Haram, the Fulani herdsmen have emerged as a major threat to rural communities. Their relentless attacks on these communities have resulted in numerous fatalities and widespread fear, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
The most significant threat to Nigeria’s agricultural sector is the insecurity fueled by banditry and terrorism. The actions of these groups have not only impeded the execution of agricultural activities but have also stifled domestic agricultural production, displaced rural populations, and hindered access to markets (Eigege & Cooke, 2017). The economic impact of this insecurity is evident, as seen in the persistent increase in food prices, the scarcity of certain food products, and the overall deterioration of food security due to the cessation of agricultural production in previously cultivated areas. This situation is further compounded by the migration of farmers from agricultural communities in the middle belt (Benue and Kogi), northwest (Kaduna, Sokoto, and Zamfara states), north-central (Niger state), and northeast (Borno and Adamawa states) to safer neighboring communities or urban areas. Consequently, vast tracts of farmland have been abandoned, and crops have been left unharvested, leading to significant losses in agricultural output.
This study brings to light the significant challenge that insecurity poses to Nigeria’s efforts to achieve food security. It underscores that the detrimental effects of insecurity directly undermine agricultural activities, leading to a reduction in agricultural productivity, which in turn results in food shortages and exacerbates the existing food insecurity in the country. In essence, the disruptive actions of bandit groups, Boko Haram, and Fulani herdsmen have a profound negative impact on rural communities, reducing agricultural productivity and worsening the overall food insecurity in Nigeria. This study seeks to explore the intricate relationship between national security and the challenges of food security in Nigeria, particularly under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite Nigeria’s considerable agricultural potential, the country faces substantial challenges in attaining food security. These challenges are compounded by the widespread issue of national insecurity, which has significantly hindered progress in the agricultural sector. Under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the obstacles to achieving food security have become even more formidable, as the country continues to grapple with persistent conflicts, economic instability, and the adverse effects of climate change.
Research has highlighted a significant disconnect between the Nigerian government and the general population, particularly among the younger generation (Abdulamin et al., 2024). The local government, which is supposed to serve as a representative entity for local communities, often appears distant and detached from the needs and concerns of the people it is meant to serve. This disconnect has been exploited by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, which has successfully recruited young individuals, particularly in the North-East region of Nigeria, where the government’s presence is weak and ineffective (Punch, 2022). The #EndSARS protest in 2020 further illustrates the deep divide between the government and ordinary Nigerians. This protest, which was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to address the concerns of the people, underscores the need for improved communication and engagement between the government and its citizens. Strengthening this communication could provide law enforcement authorities with the critical information needed to effectively combat banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.
Arinze (2018) points out that the Nigerian government’s inability to adequately control armed non-state actors has allowed these groups to establish their own governance systems in certain regions, leading to a significant rise in instability. In the northwest region of Nigeria, the prevalence of armed banditry has resulted in numerous incidents of kidnappings, fatalities, population displacements, and disruptions to socio-economic activities. The complex issue of armed terrorism in Nigeria is multifaceted, involving various contributing factors, actors, manifestations, and dimensions (Charles, 2024). Additionally, factors such as low literacy rates, porous borders, and non-compliance with legal norms further exacerbate the country’s security challenges. Insecurity in Nigeria has far-reaching consequences, including stunted economic development, increased poverty, social unrest, violence, and substance abuse. To address these issues, several strategies have been proposed, including prioritizing technical education, reintroducing civics into the primary school curriculum, implementing community policing, reinforcing the rule of law, and fostering a sense of national identity (NdianAbasi, 2024).
The persistent state of national insecurity in Nigeria during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration presents significant challenges to achieving food security. This insecurity has severely hindered agricultural activities, displaced communities, and increased the cost of food production, leading to food shortages and higher hunger rates. The government’s efforts to improve agricultural production and ensure food availability are being undermined by the ongoing violence and instability. This situation highlights the urgent need for well-coordinated and sustainable solutions to address both security and food security challenges. Therefore, this study is essential to examine these issues and provide insights that could help formulate effective strategies for overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity to Nigeria’s food security.
Objectives of the Study
The primary aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between national security and the challenges associated with food security in Nigeria, focusing specifically on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This study intends to delve deeply into the various dimensions of how national insecurity impacts food security. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To investigate whether there is a significant relationship between national insecurity and food insecurity in Nigeria, identifying how various forms of insecurity affect food availability and accessibility.
- To thoroughly examine the different types of insecurity threats that directly or indirectly influence food insecurity in Nigeria, assessing how these threats disrupt agricultural activities, food distribution, and overall food security.
- To analyze the negative contributions of national insecurity to the problem of food scarcity in Nigeria, exploring how insecurity exacerbates food shortages and worsens the country’s food insecurity situation.
- To develop and propose practical recommendations aimed at enhancing food security in Nigeria, even in the context of ongoing national insecurity, by identifying strategies that could mitigate the adverse effects of insecurity on food production and distribution.
Research Questions
In line with the objectives of the study, the following research questions have been formulated to guide the investigation:
- Is there a significant correlation between national insecurity and food insecurity in Nigeria, and if so, what are the underlying factors that contribute to this relationship?
- What are the specific security threats that affect food insecurity in Nigeria, and how do these threats manifest in different regions and communities across the country?
- In what ways does national insecurity contribute to the problem of food scarcity in Nigeria, and what are the broader socio-economic implications of these contributions for the country’s food security?
- What strategies and recommendations can be made to enhance food security in Nigeria despite the challenges posed by national insecurity, and how can these strategies be effectively implemented to achieve sustainable food security?
Research Hypothesis
To ensure the rigor and effectiveness of this study, the following research hypotheses have been developed. These hypotheses will be tested at a significance level of 0.05 to determine their validity:
- Ho: There is no significant relationship between national insecurity and food insecurity in Nigeria, suggesting that other factors may be more critical in determining food security outcomes.
- Ha: There is a significant relationship between national insecurity and food insecurity in Nigeria, indicating that insecurity plays a crucial role in influencing food security in the country.
Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to provide a detailed understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between national insecurity and food security in Nigeria. By focusing on the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this study offers timely insights that could inform policy-making and strategic interventions aimed at addressing the dual challenges of insecurity and food scarcity.
This research is particularly important because it seeks to establish a solid foundation for policymakers, scholars, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector to understand the dynamics at play. By exploring the intricate ways in which national insecurity impacts food security, the study provides a basis for the development of targeted policies and interventions that can enhance agricultural productivity, improve food distribution networks, and ultimately ensure greater food security in Nigeria.
Moreover, the findings of this study will serve as a valuable reference for students, researchers, and academics who are interested in exploring the intersection of security and food systems. The study’s recommendations are expected to have practical implications for the agriculture sector, offering solutions to enhance food production, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure a more resilient food system in the face of ongoing security challenges.
The ultimate goal of this research is to equip government officials, policymakers, and other stakeholders with empirical data and analysis that can inform evidence-based decision-making. By thoroughly examining the impact of national insecurity on food security, the study aims to provide actionable insights that can help refine existing agricultural and security policies, ensuring that they are more effective in addressing the interconnected challenges of insecurity and food scarcity.
Furthermore, this study lays the groundwork for future research on the relationship between security and food systems, encouraging further academic inquiry and practical exploration of these critical issues. The observations and recommendations generated by this research have the potential to inspire innovative solutions and research initiatives focused on improving food security in conflict-prone regions, not only in Nigeria but also in other countries facing similar challenges.
Scope of the Study
This study is broadly focused on critically investigating the interplay between national security and food security challenges in Nigeria, with a specific emphasis on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The research will be conducted within the geographical context of Benue State, a region that has experienced significant security challenges and is a critical area for agricultural production in Nigeria.
By concentrating on Benue State, the study aims to provide a detailed case study that reflects the broader national situation while also offering insights that are specific to the local context. The findings from Benue State may be extrapolated to other regions in Nigeria facing similar security challenges, although the study’s conclusions are primarily applicable to the specific conditions within the state.
Limitations of the Study
As with any research project, this study encountered several limitations that may have impacted the scope and depth of the investigation. One of the primary challenges was the language barrier, as many residents in the rural areas of Benue State have limited proficiency in English. This language barrier created difficulties in communication, which may have affected the accuracy and completeness of the data collected from these communities.
Another significant limitation was the scarcity of substantial literature on the specific topic of national security and food security challenges under the current administration. The limited availability of relevant research materials necessitated a considerable investment of time and effort to locate appropriate sources, which may have constrained the breadth of the literature review and the analysis conducted.
Additionally, the study’s scope was constrained by the small sample size and the focus on a single geographic area, namely Benue State. While the findings offer valuable insights into the local context, they may not be fully generalizable to other regions of Nigeria or to other countries facing similar challenges. Further research with a broader scope and larger sample size would be necessary to confirm the findings and extend their applicability.
Financial constraints also posed a significant challenge for the researcher, who, as a student, lacked sufficient funds to cover the costs associated with transportation, data collection, and other research-related activities. The high cost of transportation, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s current inflationary environment, further limited the researcher’s ability to conduct fieldwork and gather data from a wider range of locations.
Finally, time constraints were a significant factor, as the researcher had to balance the demands of conducting this study with the responsibilities of attending lectures, completing coursework, and participating in other academic activities. These time pressures may have limited the depth of the analysis and the extent to which the researcher could explore certain aspects of the study.
Definition of Terms
- Food Security: The condition in which all individuals have reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life.
- Food Scarcity: The condition where food supplies are insufficient to meet the dietary needs of a population, leading to hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity.
- Malnutrition: A medical condition that arises when an individual’s diet does not provide adequate nutrients or provides excessive nutrients, resulting in adverse health effects. Malnutrition can manifest as undernutrition (insufficient intake of nutrients) or overnutrition (excessive intake of nutrients).