Nigeria is grappling with serious security challenges, particularly in its vast forests, which have become strongholds for bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals. These ungoverned spaces provide a safe haven for illegal activities, posing a severe threat to national security, economic stability, and food security. A strategic and sustainable solution to this crisis is the establishment of farm settlements in these forests, transforming them into hubs of agricultural productivity. This initiative will not only reclaim these areas from criminal elements but will also foster economic growth, job creation, and national development.
The establishment of farm settlements in all local governments across the country will address multiple challenges simultaneously. By turning these forests into organized farming communities, the government will effectively remove criminal hideouts, making it difficult for bandits and kidnappers to operate. Increased human presence, combined with security forces stationed to protect the settlements, will significantly reduce crime rates. The government’s direct intervention in these areas will bring stability, restore confidence among residents, and prevent further encroachment by criminal groups.
Beyond security, this initiative presents a major opportunity for enhancing national food security. Despite Nigeria’s vast arable land, the country remains heavily dependent on food imports, making it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. By establishing well-structured farm settlements, local production of essential food items will increase, reducing reliance on imports and ensuring stable food prices. The settlements will serve as centers for large-scale agricultural production, including crop farming, livestock rearing, and agro-processing, contributing to a more self-sufficient food system.
One of the most pressing issues in Nigeria is unemployment, particularly among the youth. Farm settlements will provide direct employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians who are willing to engage in agriculture but lack the necessary resources and support. These settlements will not only employ farmers but will also create jobs in related sectors such as food processing, logistics, and marketing. The structured nature of these settlements will provide access to training, modern farming techniques, and financial support, making agriculture more attractive and profitable for the younger generation.
The economic impact of these settlements extends beyond job creation. As farming activities expand, there will be an increase in government revenue through taxation, land use charges, and exports. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s urgent need to diversify its economy away from an overdependence on crude oil. A thriving agricultural sector supported by farm settlements will contribute to overall economic stability and growth, positioning Nigeria as a leading food producer in Africa.
To ensure the success of this initiative, the Federal Government should provide long-term financing with a repayment period of ten years. Farmers should be given access to these funds under structured repayment plans, with deductions made at source to ensure financial discipline. By implementing a well-monitored repayment system, the government can sustain the funding mechanism, making the program self-sufficient in the long run. In addition to financial support, security remains a critical component of this plan. The government must deploy specialized security forces to protect these settlements, utilizing modern surveillance technology such as drones and satellite monitoring to prevent criminal activities. Community policing and collaboration with local vigilantes should also be encouraged to strengthen security efforts.
Public-private partnerships will play a crucial role in making these settlements viable. The government should partner with private agricultural firms for the supply of farming equipment, training, and marketing strategies. Encouraging both local and international investors to participate in agribusiness within these settlements will boost their sustainability and success. Legislative backing from the National Assembly will also be essential to institutionalizing and protecting this initiative.
A well-structured policy framework should be developed to incentivize participation in farm settlements. Tax breaks, subsidies, and grants should be provided to farmers and agribusiness investors to stimulate agricultural activities. Infrastructure development, including road networks, electricity, and water supply, must be prioritized to ensure the smooth operation of these settlements. Community involvement should be at the core of this initiative, ensuring that local residents actively participate in and benefit from the program.
Transforming Nigeria’s forests from crime-infested zones into productive farm settlements is a bold and necessary step toward national development. This initiative will not only eliminate security threats but will also drive economic growth, food security, and employment. By providing structured funding, security, and incentives, the Federal Government can turn this vision into reality, ensuring a more prosperous and secure Nigeria.
Adisa, a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) is a Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State
