In recent years and in the years to come, Africa has experienced and will sustain significant economic growth and development, leading many to believe that the continent has a bright future ahead.
But this is not because of any materially compelling reasons that are championed by the African public sector but because of that and all the other reasons too. With a young and rapidly growing population, natural resources, and increasing investment in infrastructure and technology, the future of Africa looks promising.
However, there are still many challenges that the continent faces, including political instability, poverty, lack of access to healthcare and education etc. For us in this corner of good old Naija, Northern Nigeria that is, there seems to be a certain kind of inertia or resistance to this march added to the list of challenges.
The current controversy over the current government’s proposed tax reforms is illustrative of this subtle fact. Maybe I’m only being an alarmist or a mere rebel. I here note the considerable flak I took with respect to my piece last week, “Allah yabaku musamu”.
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To begin with, I am perfectly aware of the fact that I am only one person with only one vote. I also in no way consider this vote sacred over that of any other stakeholder, even though I consider it a sacred personal right. I also understand why my opinion might be unpopular but that is where I stand.
I have nothing against those I disagree with me, and I also understand that I do not have a silver bullet for this problem, but for those who asked what I think can be done, I will share some of my ideas here.
The future developments that could shape the Nigeria’s trajectory demand that we discuss and analyse every point of order with sincerity and rationality in mind. There is no alternative to productivity and at the moment the numbers say that northern Nigeria is not productive. The free money we get is a venomous trap against the future of the region and if we do not wake to that fact, our future is doomed.
The good thing however is the fact that our lack of productivity is not an indictment against the capacities of our will as a people but we are indeed being held back by circumstances we can control.
One of the key factors that will determine the future of Africa is the continent’s population growth. Africa has the youngest population in the world, with a median age of just 19 years old. Nowhere is this as pronounced as the Sahelian parts of the continent including northern Nigeria.
Inasmuch as this presents both opportunities and challenges for the region, the imperative of visionary planning cannot be overstated. On one hand, a young population means a large workforce that can drive economic growth and innovation. On the other hand, it also means that there is a high demand for jobs, education, and healthcare services. The challenge for the governments of the region will be to invest in education and training programs to prepare its young population for the workforce of the future.
Another important factor is the abundance of natural resources underneath our feet. Northern Nigeria is home to a wealth of natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals, and agricultural land. However, much of this wealth is neither being exploited nor being developed for the future. The few functional economic sectors are monopolised by foreign multinationals leading to economic inequality and environmental degradation.
Why do we have to appear like parasites before anyone when all that is needed is better management of our resources to ensure sustainable development and equitable distribution of wealth? It is not rocket science, all it takes is intelligent and responsive policy reform reforming existing mining and resource, as well as sustained investments in sustainable growth.
Infrastructure development is a key shortcut to where we could be in record time. Most parts of the region lack basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and clean water and where these exist they are either inadequate or in bad shape. This hinders economic growth and limits access to essential services.
In recent years, there has been a push to improve infrastructure with investments in new roads, railways, ports, and telecommunications networks but these are mostly by the federal government with the states failure to do their own part or dwell on wasteful and unsustainable vanity projects that have no connection to the reality.
Infrastructure development is crucial for connecting people and markets and facilitating trade and investment. I was bewildered few weeks back following the prolonged electricity wahala in the region that the entirety of the region is connected to the national grid through only three substations, whereas Lagos State alone is connected by nine stations!
If clusters of states in the North could for instance partner themselves and bring the private sector along as well with regards to the infrastructural rabbit hole, such capital intensive projects could be sponsored and executed successfully to support the economies of the participating states and improve the quality of life for their citizens. The next decade can very much unleash a wave of solid growth for Nigerian economy led by input from Northern Nigeria.
Political stability is another important factor that has to be worked upon. Most states in the region, like the rest of the country, are plagued by political instability, corruption, and conflicts. This has hindered economic development and deters foreign investment. A report by the National Bureau of Statistics recently stated that 32 states and FCT received zero FDI in 2024. Most of those states were in the North. Why is that?
In recent years, there has been progress towards greater political stability in Nigeria, with democratically elected state governments becoming more and more accountable to the people and that’s a good start. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of instability especially the problems of rural banditry and terrorism. Northern state governments will need to create and strengthen collective institutions, promote transparency, and uphold the rule of law to ensure security and peace.
Education and healthcare are two areas that are also very critical. Most if not all states in the north struggle to provide adequate education and healthcare services to their people, leading to high rates of illiteracy, poverty, preventable diseases and as a whole abysmal human capital development. However, to simply say that more needs to be done is an understatement. The region’s governments will need to prioritise investments in these areas to empower their citizens and improve their quality of life.
The future of Nigeria is full of potential and opportunities, but also challenges and obstacles. With a young and rapidly growing population, natural resources, and increasing investment in infrastructure and technology, Nigeria has the potential to pull a miracle and lift the bulk of its population out of grinding poverty.
Northern Nigeria does not have to be the deadwood dragging the whole country back.
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