The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has disclosed moves by the Nigerian Army to review its agricultural policy in the coming days in support of government efforts towards resolving food security challenges in the country.
Lagbaja, made this known on Tuesday in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the week-long Chief of Army Staff combined second and third quarters conference 2024, holding in Uyo Akwa Ibom State capital
He also disclosed that the Army Headquarters was reviewing some proposals for partnerships with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government and reputable private organizations on how best to collaborate to resolve Nigeria’s food crisis.
The COAS noted that recent protests in the country which were primarily driven by discontent over economic issues and government policies reminded them (Army) that as an Armed Force, they must not only focus on physical security and defence of the nation as food and social security issues could also snowball into physical security challenges.
His words, “Your Excellency, distinguished guests, and conference participants, since the Nigerian Army’s senior hierarchy last met in April for the First Quarter Conference, we have witnessed a new set of security challenges in the Country.
” Aside from the known threats of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, illegal mining, and farmer/herder crises, the recent protests in the Country, which were primarily driven by discontent over economic issues and government policies, resulted in significant unrest and, in some cases, violence.
This situation reminded us that as an Armed Force, we must not only focus on physical security and defence of the nation but that food and social security issues can snowball into physical security challenges.
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