Central Bank of Nigeria Intervention Programmes and Poverty Reduction: Implications for National Security

Abstract

This study examined the contribution of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervention programmes to poverty reduction in Nigeria from 2013 to 2023 and their implications for national security. It was motivated by the persistence of multidimensional poverty and insecurity despite successive economic interventions. The study adopted a qualitative documentary research design using thematic content analysis of CBN reports and policy documents, National Bureau of Statistics reports, World Bank publications, Nigeria’s National Security Strategy and relevant peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2026. The analysis focused on the CBN’s developmental interventions, including the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Agri-Business/Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme and COVID-19 Targeted Credit Facility. Findings indicate that the interventions expanded access to productive finance and created pathways for improved agricultural production, enterprise activity, employment and livelihoods. However, their poverty-reduction outcomes were uneven and depended on implementation quality, infrastructure, insecurity, market access, productivity, financial inclusion and broader macroeconomic conditions. The study further found that poverty reduction can contribute to national security by strengthening livelihoods, economic resilience and household stability. However, poverty should not be regarded as an automatic cause of insecurity. Good Governance Theory demonstrates the importance of transparency, accountability, participation, responsiveness and effectiveness in achieving intervention outcomes. The study concludes that CBN interventions can support poverty reduction and contribute to national security. It recommends outcome-based monitoring, stronger independent beneficiary and project verification, participatory programme design, transparent reporting, and greater coordination.