By Faridat Salifu
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is exploring a shift beyond traditional defence operations, seeking closer collaboration with agriculture and livestock authorities to strengthen food production and distribution systems across the country.
Rather than focusing only on security support roles, the Air Force says it wants to deploy its logistics capacity, transport networks and technical expertise to improve how food and agricultural inputs move across Nigeria, especially from production zones to urban markets.
The Chief of Air Staff explained that the idea is to reduce post-harvest losses and distribution bottlenecks by leveraging military efficiency in planning, airlifting and emergency response coordination within the agricultural value chain.
He noted that partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development could help scale mechanised farming support, improve supply chain reliability and strengthen emergency food distribution during crises.
The initiative also reflects growing interest in involving security institutions in non-combat development roles, particularly in areas where infrastructure gaps continue to affect national food availability.
Officials say the approach is not about military takeover of agriculture, but about strategic collaboration that strengthens resilience, supports farmers, and improves national food security outcomes.
