The Northern Governors Forum has stated that the economic hardship currently faced by Nigerians is more pronounced in the northern region than in the southern region due to disparities in economic inequality.
The forum also expressed concern over the darkness currently experienced in the northern region, emphasising the urgent need to build additional transmission lines and diversify energy supply to address the issue.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the Chairman of the forum, disclosed this on Monday during a meeting with traditional rulers in the region in Kaduna.
The governor noted that the “End Bad Governance” protests that took place in August served as a wake-up call for all northern leaders.
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According to him, youth restiveness is a growing concern, driven by illiteracy, poverty, and a lack of economic opportunities.
He explained that it was essential for leaders to adopt measures to alleviate suffering, such as targeted social welfare programmes, support for small and medium enterprises, and policies that attract investment to their states.
“Our young people are calling for change, and it is our responsibility to listen and act. We must scale up efforts to tackle the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in education, skills development, and job creation. Let us focus on creating pathways for the youth to channel their energy into productive ventures, thereby reducing their vulnerability to crime and social vices.
“The economic hardship faced by many Nigerians today is undeniable, and considering the North-South disparity in economic inequality, it is even more pronounced in northern Nigeria. This calls for urgent intervention,” he said.
The chairman added that the leaders in the region must work with the federal government to ensure that fiscal policies are sensitive to the realities of the day.
“As we speak today, most of our northern states are in darkness due to the vandalisation of electricity transmission infrastructure. This not only underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure but also the need to build additional transmission lines and diversify our energy supply to better connect our region and improve our energy resilience.
“Northern Nigeria holds immense agricultural potential, which, if fully harnessed, can significantly alleviate hunger and boost economic growth,” he said.
The governor also commiserated with victims of terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities in the North, including the victims of the Maiduguri flood and the tanker explosion in Jigawa State.
He stated that the governors from the region would continue to work with the federal government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said NGF and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council would work towards addressing the security and developmental challenges confronting the North.
He explained that they must all work together to realise their vision of a secure, peaceful and prosperous North.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reinvigorating the war against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the North.
He said the establishment of a Joint Military Command and launching of Operation Fansan Yamma are clear demonstrations of the federal government’s commitment to decisively tackle the multidimensional challenges of insecurity confronting the North.
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