by George Ozalla
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Rtd, has said sustainable peace and national stability can only be achieved when military and security operations are strengthened by deliberate investments in economic empowerment, social stability, and human development, stressing that security interventions alone cannot address the root causes of internal displacement and insecurity.
Musa stated this on Thursday while speaking at the Securing Futures: Market-Based Solutions for Internal Displacement forum held in Lagos, where senior government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society actors gathered to examine practical and sustainable approaches to addressing Nigeria’s growing internal displacement crisis.
The Defence Minister said insecurity and displacement continue to disrupt economic systems, weaken communities, and expose vulnerable populations to long-term hardship, noting that restoring stability requires coordinated national efforts that combine security operations with economic and social interventions.
He said sustainable peace can only be achieved when security efforts are joined with economic empowerment, social stability, and human development, adding that tackling insecurity and internal displacement is not the responsibility of government alone but requires a whole-of-government approach supported by active private sector participation and meaningful community engagement.
According to him, restoring livelihoods and rebuilding communities affected by conflict must remain a national priority, as economic recovery plays a critical role in stabilising fragile regions and preventing renewed cycles of violence and displacement.
Musa emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships among government institutions, private investors, development organisations, and civil society groups, noting that inclusive economic initiatives and market-based solutions can provide displaced persons with opportunities to regain financial independence and rebuild their lives.
He said the Federal Government remains committed to pursuing innovative and sustainable policies aimed at protecting citizens, stabilising conflict-affected communities, and creating an enabling environment for economic recovery and long-term peace.
The minister noted that security agencies have continued to make progress in addressing threats across various parts of the country, but stressed that military gains must be supported by economic reintegration programmes, infrastructure development, and access to livelihoods to ensure lasting stability.
Stakeholders at the forum also underscored the importance of private sector investment, skills development, and entrepreneurship support for displaced populations, noting that economic inclusion remains essential to national recovery and resilience.
They emphasised that market-driven solutions, including access to finance, job creation, and enterprise support, can play a significant role in reducing dependency, strengthening communities, and preventing future displacement.
The Securing Futures: Market-Based Solutions for Internal Displacement forum is a multi-stakeholder platform designed to promote private sector-led and economically sustainable responses to displacement and post-conflict recovery. The conference brings together government officials, business leaders, development partners, and policy experts to explore innovative strategies that support livelihood restoration, economic inclusion, and long-term stability in conflict-affected regions.
