Northern leaders have strongly advocated for greater government investment in key areas such as education and agriculture, identifying them as vital to overcoming the region’s persistent challenges and driving national progress.
This call was part of the resolutions from a two-day summit organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna, where stakeholders assessed the Nigerian Government’s performance and set strategic priorities for Northern Nigeria’s development.
Presenting the communiqué at the end of the summit, the Foundation’s Director General, Engineer Abubakar Gambo Umar, acknowledged the notable efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in enhancing security, improving infrastructure, and implementing economic reforms.
He underscored the importance of deeper reforms and inclusive development to achieve lasting progress.
One of the key outcomes of the summit was a strong call to urgently tackle the alarming number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria.
Participants also pushed for the expansion of agricultural value chains and the promotion of rural industrialization as means to boost food security and generate employment.
They recommended the establishment of agro-animal industries to support economic diversification, alongside the fast-tracking of critical infrastructure projects such as major highways, gas pipelines, and rural irrigation systems.
The communiqué called for a fair and balanced allocation of national resources to correct regional disparities and promote equitable development across the country.
The forum further highlighted the need for regular platforms that allow meaningful interaction between citizens and government, aimed at building trust and strengthening accountability at both federal and state levels.
Additional recommendations included fostering stronger cooperation between federal and state governments, and involving civil society organizations, as well as traditional and religious leaders, in policy formulation and implementation.
Participants also emphasized the role of ethical and responsible media practices in promoting national unity and social cohesion.
They called on Northern states to unite and coordinate more effectively in their engagement with the federal government.
Reaffirming the central role of education in national development, the summit urged for significant public investment in the sector, viewing it as essential for human capital development and long-term security.
While recognizing the achievements of the current administration, participants concluded that genuine national prosperity can only be achieved through justice, fairness, and inclusive governance.
They stressed that sustained collaboration among government, citizens, and all stakeholders remains the most reliable path toward a peaceful and united Nigeria.
