The Federal Government has launched a livelihood empowerment initiative aimed at curbing violent extremism by providing economic opportunities to 10,000 vulnerable youths and women across the country.
The programme, known as the Livelihood Empowerment Initiative (LEI), was inaugurated in Abuja by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Speaking at the launch, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the initiative is designed to strengthen community resilience and reduce susceptibility to extremist recruitment.
He was represented by the Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, Amb. Abimbola Wonosikou.
Laka described the scheme as a strategic security intervention rather than a conventional development programme, noting that it tackles the root causes of instability by equipping beneficiaries with skills, resources, and market access within agricultural value chains.
According to him, the initiative adopts a “soft approach” to counter-terrorism by prioritising human security and community-based prevention mechanisms.
“The project replaces vulnerability with capability and despair with a career, aligning with Nigeria’s framework on preventing and countering violent extremism,” he said, adding that it would enhance economic resilience and reduce recruitment risks.
Pressroom reports that the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Giving to the Needy Mission International (GINMI).
Chairman of GINMI, Dr Reuben Egwu, said the project targets 10,000 beneficiaries across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a focus on addressing economic hardship as a key driver of insecurity.
He explained that participants would receive training in best agronomic practices, start-up grants, and access to structured markets to ensure sustainability.
Egwu added that the initiative covers agricultural value chains such as cassava processing, rice and maize cultivation, poultry farming, and fish production, with mechanisms in place to minimise post-harvest losses.
He noted that the programme is expected to generate about 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, boost household incomes, and contribute to national economic growth.
The implementation, he said, would be carried out in phases in close coordination with ONSA and supported by development partners.
Egwu further called on the private sector, diplomatic community, and international organisations to support and scale up the intervention.
Also speaking, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, commended the initiative and pledged the state’s support.
Other stakeholders, including the Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs in the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Dayo Benjamin-Laniyi, and representatives of civil society groups, also endorsed the programme.
The initiative aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on poverty reduction, zero hunger, gender equality, and decent work.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the scheme would help address economic vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience against extremist ideologies.
