Northern stakeholders have issued a strong call for increased government investment in critical sectors such as education and agriculture, describing them as essential for addressing longstanding regional challenges and ensuring national development.
This is among key demands from a two-day summit convened by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna, where participants reviewed the performance of the Nigerian Government and outlined strategic priorities for the development of Northern Nigeria.
Reading the communiqué at the close of the summit, the Foundation’s Director General, Engineer Abubakar Gambo Umar, said the forum appreciated the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commendable strides in delivering on electoral promises particularly in security, infrastructure, and economic reforms.
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He stressed the need for deeper reforms and inclusive development.
Among the key resolutions was the urgent need to address the high number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria.
The summit also advocated for strengthened agricultural value chains and rural industrialisation to improve food security and create jobs.
Establishment of agro-animal industries to drive economic diversification
Accelerated infrastructure projects including highways, gas pipelines, and rural irrigation schemes.
Equitable distribution of resources to correct regional imbalances and ensure fairness in national development.
In addition, the forum emphasized the importance of periodic citizen-government engagement platforms to deepen trust and accountability at both national and subnational levels.
Other key recommendations includes, greater collaboration between federal and state governments, engagement of civil society, traditional, and religious leaders in shaping policies.
Promotion of responsible media practices to enhance national unity
A call for unity among northern states to strengthen their interface with the federal government.
Participants urged for substantial public investment in the education sector as a critical path to human capital development and long-term security.
While acknowledging progress made under the current administration, the summit said, true national prosperity depends on fairness, justice, and inclusive governance.
Participants stressed that continuous collaboration among government, citizens, and stakeholders remains the surest path to building a peaceful and united Nigeria.