The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) has intensified efforts to prepare retiring military personnel for life after service by seeking a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to expand agricultural training and entrepreneurship programmes.
The initiative is aimed at equipping retired service personnel with modern agricultural skills that will promote self-reliance, improve food production and contribute to the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
The Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, made the proposal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, in Abuja.
AVM Ilo said the Centre remains committed to empowering retiring members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies through practical vocational training that enables them to build sustainable livelihoods after leaving active service.
He disclosed that agriculture has become one of the Centre’s most popular training programmes, with approximately 80 per cent of trainees expressing interest in agribusiness and commercial farming.
To support the growing demand, the commandant revealed that the Centre had acquired 40 hectares of land for agricultural training and demonstration farms, adding that collaboration with the ministry would provide participants with access to modern farming techniques, extension services, mechanised equipment and technical expertise.
According to him, strengthening agricultural entrepreneurship among retired personnel would not only improve their economic well-being but also contribute significantly to national food production and rural development.
“The collaboration will empower retiring military personnel with practical skills, create sustainable employment opportunities and support the Federal Government’s drive to achieve food security,” he said.
Responding, Senator Kyari welcomed the proposal and praised the Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and maintaining internal security.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to transform agriculture into a major driver of economic growth and employment, assuring the Centre of the ministry’s willingness to work together on programmes that would benefit retired service personnel.
He advised NAFRC to organise beneficiaries into cooperative societies to enable them to access government agricultural intervention programmes, financial support and other incentives available to farmers across the country.
Kyari also requested the Centre to submit detailed proposals outlining its areas of interest to facilitate the development of a structured partnership and the provision of appropriate technical and institutional support.
The meeting highlighted the growing collaboration between defence institutions and government agencies in promoting economic empowerment for military veterans while supporting broader national objectives of food security, job creation and sustainable development.
If implemented, the partnership is expected to enhance the transition of retiring military personnel into productive civilian life through commercial agriculture, while strengthening Nigeria’s efforts to build a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector.
