The Northern Governors Forum has stated that the economic challenges currently faced by Nigerians are more severe in the northern region compared to the south, primarily due to economic inequality.
The forum also raised concerns about the persistent darkness in the northern region, highlighting the urgent need for more transmission lines and a diversified energy supply to tackle this issue.
During a meeting with traditional rulers in Kaduna on Monday, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the chairman of the forum, decried the electricity blackout across northern states.
“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.
He also mentioned that the “End Bad Governance” protests held in August acted as a wake-up call for northern leaders.
He noted that youth restiveness is an increasing concern, fueled by illiteracy, poverty, and a lack of economic opportunities.
The governor emphasized the necessity for leaders to implement measures to ease the suffering of the populace, including targeted social welfare programs, support for small and medium enterprises, and policies designed to 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,” he said.
He also expressed sympathy for victims of terrorism, banditry, and other criminal acts in the North, including those affected by the Maiduguri flood and the tanker explosion in Jigawa State.
The chairman assured that governors from the region would continue working alongside the federal government and relevant agencies to provide essential support and relief to those impacted.
In his comments, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State stated that the NGF and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council would focus on addressing the security and developmental challenges facing the North.
He highlighted the importance of unity in achieving their vision of a secure, peaceful and prosperous North.