Northern governors have renewed their commitment to combating insecurity and poverty, calling for urgent and collective action to address banditry, insurgency, and economic hardship across the region.
This resolution was made during the 11th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture and Merit Awards held in Bauchi State, where prominent leaders emphasized the need for regional collaboration to tackle the pressing issues affecting Northern Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, identified the varied security threats facing different parts of the region:
- Northwest – Battling banditry and kidnapping
- North-Central – Struggling with ethno-religious crises
- Northeast – Facing insurgency and terrorism
Governor Yahaya warned that the competition for scarce resources continues to fuel these conflicts, calling for proactive policies to address the root causes of insecurity.
“We must act collectively to tackle these challenges head-on,” Yahaya declared.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, also emphasized the importance of unity, urging stakeholders to work together regardless of differences.
“We must foster collaboration across all divides to confront our common adversaries,” he said.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, echoed these sentiments, stressing that collective action is key to achieving lasting peace and economic stability.
In a keynote address, former Minister of Finance, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, highlighted the North’s untapped natural resources as a solution to its economic woes.
“If effectively harnessed, these resources can transform our economy,” Mukhtar said.
He called for the adoption of modern technologies and sustainable agricultural practices to boost food security, improve productivity, and create jobs for the growing population.
Governor Yahaya reiterated the Northern Governors’ dedication to using the region’s resources to drive economic development, while acknowledging the significant challenges of:
- Poor infrastructure
- High unemployment
- Widespread poverty
The governors vowed to continue working together to dismantle criminal networks and foster regional growth through policy reforms and strategic collaboration.
As insecurity and poverty persist, Northern leaders are under increased pressure to deliver concrete solutions that will improve lives and restore peace in the region.