The Agricultural Agenda Nigeria Initiative (AANI) has urged governments at all levels to prioritise security, food sovereignty and inclusive governance as critical pillars for strengthening democracy and driving sustainable socio-economic development.

Ephraim Audu, the AANI’s national president, made the call in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja to commemorate Democracy Day.

Mr Audu said that while Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule deserved celebration, the country’s democratic gains could only be sustained through improved security and enhanced citizens’ welfare.

He said national security remained the foundation for economic growth, social stability and sustainable development, noting that no democracy could thrive where lives and property were under constant threat.

The AANI president said food security should be treated as a national security priority because of agriculture’s role in providing livelihoods, reducing poverty and promoting national stability.

He expressed concern over the growing insecurity in farming communities, saying attacks, kidnappings and the displacement of rural populations continued to disrupt agricultural production and worsen hunger.

Mr Audu called for the deployment of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, surveillance systems and geospatial intelligence, to strengthen security operations, intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms.

He also advocated increased investment in agriculture, rural infrastructure, mechanisation, climate-smart farming and agribusiness development.

According to him, greater support for youths and women in agriculture will boost food production, reduce poverty and promote inclusive economic growth.

Mr Audu reaffirmed the AANI’s commitment to working with government institutions, development partners, research organisations and the private sector to advance policy reforms and practical solutions for food security and rural prosperity.

He also advocated true federalism anchored on equity, justice, inclusiveness and shared prosperity, describing it as essential for strengthening national unity and addressing concerns over marginalisation.

Mr Audu condemned the recurring abductions of students, teachers, farmers and other Nigerians and called for a coordinated national response to insecurity.

“As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, all stakeholders must recommit themselves to patriotism, accountability, justice and national service to build a nation where every citizen can live in peace, and every farmer can cultivate without fear,” he said.

 (NAN)