The Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP) has presented a six-point alternative strategy to the governors of the 19 northern states to form part of a comprehensive action plan to address the challenges in the region.
Acknowledging the ravaging impact of insecurity in the form of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, as well as the economic and other social challenges that are confronting the region, the group, in an open memorandum addressed to the governors, emphasised the need for sustainable development and peace.
Coming on the heels of the recent engagement of some of the governors with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, D.C., which has courted widespread criticism about its propriety, the ARDP said the concerns have necessitated the need to ensure such engagements not only align with “Global best practices but are also deeply rooted in the realities of our communities.”
In the memorandum signed by Kabiru Sulaiman Chafe on behalf of the group, the northern governors were challenged to examine the persistent disorientation of the administrative machinery by partisan interference, which has undermined the civil service’s capacity and leadership.
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The group said the first alternative strategy that should be considered by the governors should be the strengthening of local institutions and expertise by utilising institutions like the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) and local experts to address challenges effectively.
The governors were also asked to consider community involvement through engagement of communities in governance and development processes through regular fora and inclusive decision-making. Similarly, the group suggested economic empowerment that should focus on job creation, support for entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and agricultural modernisation to alleviate poverty and improve living standards.
It also suggested security reforms by implementing community-centric security approaches, professionalising local security outfits, reforming legal and policy frameworks, and integrating technology for effective security strategies. It also suggested collaboration with civil society organisations to establish trust and respect through regular dialogue and joint projects to address social and economic issues.
The ARDP finally asked the governors to embrace regional cooperation by coordinating efforts among neighbouring states to address cross-border challenges, enhance security, promote economic integration, and manage environmental issues.
The memorandum is expected to form part of discussions at the forthcoming 2-day Northwest Peace and Security Summit being organised by the Northwest Governors’ Forum (NwGF) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The summit with the theme “Livelihood, Building Resilience, and Promoting Peace and Security: Addressing the Nexus of Banditry, Extremism, and Climate Change in North-West Nigeria” is scheduled for May 16 and 17 in Katsina State.
